Whether you’re in Brick, or you’re in Howell. From Glassboro to Union chances are your air conditioning uses R-22 also commonly known as Freon. What you may not know is that is being phased out and in time will no longer be used to keep your family cool. Here is the what when and why!
What is it?
R-22 is a refrigerant in air conditioning units which keeps your home cool.
On January 1, 2015, a ban on the production, import and use of HCFCs (compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine) was implemented. This is not just for the state of New Jersey but the entire United States. The overall plan is to completely phase out the R-22 refrigerant by the year 2030.
After 2020, only reclaimed, recycled, or previously produced R-22 can be used to service any existing equipment. Right now, the cost of this refrigerant is very high.
Newer systems are much more environmentally friendly and safe. Not only for our climate but personal health too.
Why is it being phased out?
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) R-22, better known as freon, is being phased out while production has been stopped completely. No imports will be allowed into the United States.
R-22 has been harming the ozone level and our environment for decades. We have also learned it has been harming our health. How it affects the ozone is complicated, but the reaction that occurs allows chlorine to break down the ozone layer causing harm to the environment and also creating many health issues.
Frequent exposure to breathing in chlorine over a long period of time has been shown to affect the immune system, the heart, the blood, and the respiratory system in animals and humans. These effects include skin and eye irritation, coughing, chest pains, water retention in the lungs, and potentially cancer.
What Do I Do If My Air Conditioner Uses R-22?
If your Air Conditioner was produced prior to January 2010, you have these options:
Look into purchasing an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system that uses approved refrigerant.
Call an expert to replace the parts in your current AC system to help make it compatible with an approved air conditioner refrigerant. This can be costly and the system will need to be upgraded in the near future anyway.
Stick with using recycled R-22, although it’s not recommended.
What Are New Air Conditioners Using?
At some point, you will need to replace a failing AC system. When that occurs, it will be replaced with an R410a unit which uses a new, chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant. Newer systems are much safer for the environment, but also personal health as well.
What benefits Will An Upgraded Air Conditioner Give Me?
Higher energy efficiency which saves you money
Better indoor comfort and temperature control
Noticeable improvement to the air quality in your home
Increases the value of your home
Help homeowners do their part in saving the environment
The U.S.Department of Energy states that the average home uses 42% of its energy consumption towards heat and air conditioning. An upgraded AC system with newly regulated refrigerants will use about 20% less refrigerant than older systems. This should lead to lower energy bills. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many citizens are spending most of their time inside their homes. Unfortunately, the air inside our homes can actually be less safe than the air outside. Upgrading to a new HVAC system can help improve your home’s indoor air quality.
If your AC unit is over 10 years old, your bills are likely to be high or you may be experiencing discomfort inside your home. Give Allied Experts a call! We are experts at evaluating your home and coming up with solutions to improve your family’s comfort.
Call 856-528-2822 today! There is a solution for your home and we can help.