If you have an older HVAC system, chances are it runs on R-22 (Freon) refrigerant. However, if this is the case, your system’s days are numbered. The reason for this is a 2010 EPA ban on producing and importing R-22. Why is this? R-22 is an ozone-depleting substance, and the US is committed to stamping out its use altogether.
There was a loophole in the ban, however. R-22 was permitted to be manufactured until 2020. This means that until now owners of older systems have generally been able to keep servicing their existing system as usual.
However, with 2020 upon us, all that is about to change. The ban on R-22 is now total, meaning that time is running out for existing systems running on R-22. As stockpiles of R-22 are depleted, R-22 will become more and more expensive until it becomes unavailable altogether. For newer systems that are running smoothly, this may not be a problem for now – but it eventually will be.
Switching wholesale from R-22 to R410a
So what’s the solution? After the EPA ban, the industry switched to a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant called R410a (“Puron”). This refrigerant is better for the environment, has higher safety ratings and is more energy efficient than R-22.
If your HVAC system is running R410a, then you don’t need to change anything. How can you tell? Any system built after 2010 normally utilizes new refrigerant, although systems simply installed after 2010 can go either way. Older systems ideally need to be replaced with systems that run R410a. This is because R-22 and R410a aren’t interchangeable. You can’t just use R410a in a system designed for R-22 refrigerant.
What about retrofitting? While using drop-in replacement parts to make your system R410a compatible may sound like a good idea, it’s a bandaid solution – and one that might void the warranty of your system. Not only that, but the cost of doing it can often be more than replacing your system altogether. What used to be a “small” fix is now a major one.
Now’s the time to upgrade to an R410a-compatible system
If you’re still running a R-22 system, 2020 is a good year to finally make the switch. While R-22 systems aren’t banned outright, continuing to use yours means you’ll be contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer, while also simply kicking the can down the road. For cost and quality reasons, we also highly advise against going the retrofitting route.
That leaves replacing your system. A new R410a-compatible HVAC system may seem like a costly expense, but it’ll save you money in the long run – and the environment as well.
To determine what kind of system you’re running, and to get a quote on replacement, get in touch with the Shaw Services team using the form below. We’re always happy to help out.