How To Identify If Your Air Conditioning System Uses R-22
If your home air conditioning system relies on R-22 refrigerant, you should know that legal changes have made this coolant obsolete. New laws went into effect on January 1. 2020, banning the production and importation of R22. Consequently, coolant recharge services for any air conditioner that uses R-22 will be expensive. Keep reading to learn more about the phase-out of R-22 coolant. Also, if you are unsure of what type of coolant your AC system uses, we will show you how to identify an air conditioner that uses R-22.
Older Air Conditioning Equipment Uses R-22
Sadly, air conditioners invariably become obsolete over time. This aspect makes it less than ideal to use older cooling equipment in your business or home. In addition to poor performance, older air conditioners use a lot more energy than newer models. Furthermore, they are often costly to repair. R-22 has been used as a coolant in AC systems for decades.
The R22 refrigerant ban finally reached its deadline of January 1, 2020, completing the phaseout that launched in 2010. Consequently, air conditioning systems that use this particular coolant are obsolete as well.
AC systems that rely on R-22 are incredibly costly to fix. For instance, if a unit develops a coolant leak, you will have to choose whether to pay the extremely high costs of having it fixed, or to pay to have it replaced.
The R-22 phase-out is an initiative from the government, which ultimately means that there is soon going to be a very significant decrease in the supply of this refrigerant. When demand increases, you can expect to see higher R22 refrigerant prices. A recharge could actually cost half as much as a total system replacement with a brand new and far more energy-efficient AC model. Getting an AC replacement is really the only way to save money in this instance.
Does Your Home Air Conditioner Rely On R-22?
To find out if your current home cooling equipment is using the R-22 refrigerant, check its date of manufacture. Units that were made after 2010 are generally more cost-effective to repair. After 2010, air conditioner manufacturers started using Puron or R-410a, as an alternative to R-22. Keep in mind that before 2010, R-22 was the refrigerant that AC makers were using. Knowing which refrigerant your home cooling equipment relies on is vital for making an informed decision.
You should also note that while your AC system may be getting up there in years, it may still perform very well. You will, however, have to account for the fast-dwindling supply of R-22 coolant, which your older system needs. It is really a question of whether you should invest your hard-earned money in a system that is on its last leg or place your money into a new system that will offer you 15+ years of use. Most experts agree that the more economical choice is to opt for an air conditioner upgrade. As such, now is the perfect time to start setting money aside for your air conditioner replacement.
You should first determine which type of coolant your home air conditioner uses. Next, you have to get more info on the phase-out of R-22 and learn more about how it affects your household.
Do You Use R-22 Refrigerant In Your Connecticut Home? Here’s How You Can Tell:
1. Identify The Manufacturing Date Of Your Home Air Conditioner
The date of manufacture for your home cooling system is likely the best indicator of its refrigerant type. This is information that’s found on the data plate. You can usually find the data plate on the unit’s condenser or air handler. All systems with manufacturing dates before 1996 are designed to rely on R-22. Systems that were manufactured between the years of 1996 and 2009 may use R-410 or R-22. For these systems, additional research will be necessary. If the air conditioning system in your home was made in 2010 or after, it probably uses R-410a.
2. Learn The Installation Date Of Your Air Conditioner
Another good indicator of the type kind of refrigerant that’s being used in your home cooling installation is the date of installation. If an air conditioning system was installed during 2010 or any time after, then it probably relies on R-410a. By the year 2010, installing R-22 units was illegal. If an HVAC technician performed your air conditioner installation before 2010, then it is likely using R-22.
3. Check Out The Manufacturer Specifications For Your Cooling System
HVAC manufacturers frequently provide information concerning the exact type of coolant that different air conditioner models use. You can find this info on the condenser unit’s affixed nameplate. If you do not find this info on the condenser, then check the entire unit for certification stickers. These stickers will indicate whether or not the system is designed to rely on R-22.
4. Call The Manufacturer Of Your Air Conditioner
If labels, nameplates, and all other components capable of presenting information lack these details, contact the manufacturer of your home air conditioning system. A customer service representative can determine which type of coolant your cooling unit uses based upon its manufacturing year and the model.
5. Get Help From A Trusted Local HVAC Company
Air conditioning systems must be regularly tuned up every year. When the time for your unit’s periodic checkup arrives, be sure to ask your HVAC service provider what kind of refrigerant your air conditioner uses.
Trained and certified HVAC technicians can identify the coolant type that different air conditioners use. They can also offer a lot of helpful information on different air conditioner models that operate on R-22. Likewise, they can help find a new, energy-efficient AC unit that fits your budget.
Additional Information On The Phase-Out Of R-22
The implementation of the R-22 phase-out came gradually. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the phase-out initiative to limit the harmful impact that R-22 has on the natural environment. This initiative currently prohibits manufacturers from producing or importing new R-22. Even though it is not illegal to continue using this compound in existing HVAC systems, the phase-out has effectively incited a significant rise in R-22 prices. If you intend to recharge a mid-sized home air conditioning with R-22, you might wind up paying nearly half the cost of a brand new air conditioner installation.
What Are Some Of Your Cooling Options Here In Connecticut?
Every home should be both comfortable and safe. If you have a home air conditioning system that relies on R-22, purchasing a brand new AC system will be more cost-effective than paying to have your old one recharged. Keep in mind that older cooling systems become less and less efficient over the years. Wear and tear can begin to create frequent system breakdowns, and the performance of these units can dip. If you are still using an old air conditioner to cool your home, now is the time to start looking at newer and far more energy-efficient models.
Next, think about the cost of continuing to use R-22. If your AC system starts to leak, you’re going to pay a veritable fortune for the necessary recharge. Replacing an R-22 cooling system is a far better choice when it comes to saving money. It is also a better choice when it comes to limiting the costs of repairs, and keeping your home both comfortable and safe.
The third point of note is that you can actually save money by purchasing a new home cooling system. There are several HVAC companies that offer financing solutions for consumers with good credit. Talk with your HVAC service company for any special deals, available payment plans, or affordable options in financing.
Conclusion
Tower Energy has long been a top provider of HVAC solutions. We provide smart and affordable heating and cooling services to both residential and commercial clients. Some of our first-class services include HVAC tune-ups, repairs, and HVAC system installations. Our outstanding performance is the result of excellence in customer service, industry expertise, and consistently competitive pricing.
To learn more about the services we provide, get in touch with Tower Energy right now. We’ll help you schedule a convenient appointment for a system checkup. Also, one of our seasoned technicians will go over your home heating and cooling needs at absolutely no cost. Don’t wait for your R-22 unit to completely malfunction before addressing this issue. The sooner you call us to talk about your home cooling concerns; the faster we can address them. Call our office today.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.