What the R22 Phase-Out Means for Consumers

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is the key to soothing relief when temperatures reach the sizzling point in Atlanta, GA. The most common coolant in use today is R22.

Due to federal regulations phasing out the use of R-22, many Atlanta homeowners will soon have to opt for an AC replacement or face increasing costs for AC service. Here are some things you should know about the phaseout to make an informed decision.

Why the Phaseout?

R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC-22) that depletes the ozone layer. Under the 1987 international Montreal Protocol, the United States agreed to gradually phase out HCFCs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the manufacture of new Freon appliances in 2010.

Limited Supply of R22

Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, manufacturers can no longer produce or import new R-22. Homeowners will have to rely on stockpiles of the refrigerant. In addition to residential and commercial AC units, freezers, refrigerators, and commercial refrigeration equipment will compete for the scarce refrigerant. The continually decreasing supply will drive up the price of servicing your AC unit.

AC Replacement

AC units older than 2010 typically use R-22, and these aging systems are more prone to leaks and repairs. Although the EPA doesn’t require you to buy a new system to replace your R-22 unit, between the skyrocketing price of servicing Freon units and the declining efficiency of an aging air conditioner, at some point an AC replacement is your best option.

We believe in being proactive when it comes to your comfort, which is why we recommend talking with one of our expert comfort specialists while there’s still time to plan for the recharge-or-replace transition. To learn more about the Trane cooling systems we offer or the R-22 phaseout, call us today at (770) 661-0334. 2020 will be here before you know it!