What’s R22 Refrigerant and Why Is It So Costly?

Refrigerants play a vital position in cooling and sustaining snug indoor temperatures. Air conditioners particularly depend on refrigerant to chill properties effectively. One such refrigerant, R22, has been extensively used for a number of many years. Nevertheless, latest developments in environmental laws have led to its phasing out.

Prime Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing explains what R22 is, why it has been phased out, and what you need to do in case your air conditioner makes use of R22 to chill your house.

What Is R22 Refrigerant?

R22, often known as Freon, is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant that has been generally utilized in air con methods for a few years. Its properties enable it to soak up warmth from the air, offering cooling results.

Nevertheless, R22 was found to have a major environmental affect. Ozone depletion was linked to R22. The depletion of Ozone permits extra dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation to succeed in the Earth’s floor. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was adopted as a strategy to defend the ozone layer by stopping the manufacturing of HCFCs like R22. This was a global protocol that has been adopted around the globe.

Many owners are shocked to search out out that when their air conditioner is affected by a refrigerant leak, they’re hit with a hefty restore invoice as a result of R22 refrigerant is so costly. The manufacturing and importation of R22 have been considerably restricted since 2010. The diminished provide and rising demand for this refrigerant have prompted prices to rise.

What’s the Various to R22 Refrigerant?

To interchange R22, HVAC system producers have launched different refrigerants which are extra environmentally pleasant. The most typical different is R410A, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant. R410A doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion and has turn out to be the usual refrigerant for brand spanking new AC items.

R410A provides a number of benefits over R22. It has increased vitality effectivity, which interprets to decrease vitality consumption and diminished utility payments. R410A operates at increased pressures, requiring tools particularly designed to deal with these pressures. R410A can be generally utilized in trendy warmth pump methods. R410A readily absorbs warmth, which makes them work higher in colder climates than older methods.

My AC Unit makes use of R22, What Ought to I Do To Keep away from Excessive Air Conditioning Restore Payments?

Though refrigerant leaks will be mounted, an older system will usually develop extra leaks because it ages. Should you had R22 added to your air con system final yr, and now your house is humid once more this summer time, your system could have developed one other leak. Sadly, as a result of R410A is designed to run at the next stress, you may’t keep away from excessive refrigerant costs by changing one refrigerant for one more. R410A just isn’t suitable with older methods.

Air conditioners that also use R22 are price changing. Whereas R22 should still be out there for servicing current items, its manufacturing and availability have considerably decreased, resulting in hovering costs.

One of the simplest ways to keep away from costly restore prices to your air con unit is to improve to a brand new system. By putting in a brand new system, you’ll not solely get pleasure from the advantages of elevated environmental friendliness, but in addition remove the necessity for frequent repairs that your present AC unit requires. By switching to a system that makes use of R410A, it can save you cash on refrigerant prices and operational repairs. You’ll additionally acquire peace of thoughts that your system will cool your house for years to come back.

Name Prime Notch for an Estimate on Air Conditioner Set up in Kansas Metropolis, KS

In case you are not sure in regards to the refrigerant your AC system makes use of or have issues about its efficiency, it is strongly recommended to succeed in out to the dependable and skilled crew of HVAC technicians at Prime Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We will consider your system, present knowledgeable recommendation, and provide restore or substitute providers based mostly in your particular wants.

In case your AC system nonetheless makes use of R22, it’s clever to think about changing it to keep away from rising prices, and potential efficiency points, and to embrace a extra sustainable and environment friendly cooling answer. Contact Prime Notch in the present day for air con restore and substitute providers to make sure your house stays snug all summer time lengthy.