What to Know about the R22 Freon Phase Out

The EPA’s plan to phase out R22 (Freon) is still on the books, with the goal of making it completely obsolete by the year 2020. R22 is considered by the agency to be an ozone-depleting substance. If you currently use it to power your air conditioning unit, you’ll have to begin looking at other options.

At Sedgwick, we’ve compiled some information to help you begin the transition. Here’s what else you need to know:

• No new R22 can be made in, or imported into the U.S.
• You can still purchase existing R22 and use it in your current system. However, purchasing it is becoming increasingly expensive due to the decreasing availability in supply.
• Manufacturers were required to stop making R22 systems by 2010, so unless your system is older than that, the transition probably doesn’t affect you.

The Next Step – Switch from R22 to 410A

Sometime before the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2020, it’s recommended you switch to a newer air-conditioning system that utilizes R-410A, a refrigerant that’s environmentally safer. Also, if you find your current unit is low on R-22, it’s recommended you go ahead and replace the unit, rather than repair.

Have any questions or concerns regarding the phase out of R22? Contact the experts at Sedgwick Heating.