Phase out for R-22

    The refrigerant known as R-22 has been the choice for residential air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately for the environment, the venting of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion. As the manufacture of R-22 is phased out over the coming years, manufacturers of residential air conditioning systems are offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants.

Phase out Schedule for R-22

January 1, 2010:

 

After 2010, chemical manufacturers may still produce R-22 to service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment. As a result, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system manufacturers will only be able to use pre-existing supplies of R-22 to produce new air conditioners and heat pumps. These existing supplies would include R-22 recovered from existing equipment and recycled.

 

January 1, 2015:

 

        After 2015, the production of R-22 chemical manufactures must reduce production of R-22 to 10% of 1996 levels

 

January 1, 2020:

 

Use of existing refrigerant, including refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled, will be allowed beyond 2020 to service existing systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps.

What Does the R-22 Phase out Mean for Consumers?

Cost of R-22

Consumers should be aware that prices of R-22 may increase as supplies dwindle over the next 20 or 30 years.                                          Consumers will have a difficult time replacing, repairing, or upgrading existing equipment.

Alternatives to R-22 in Residential Air Conditioning

As R-22 is gradually phased out, non-ozone-depleting alternative refrigerants are being introduced.  One of these substitutes is R-410A, a blend of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), substances that do not contribute to depletion of the ozone layer. R-410A is manufactured and sold under various trade names, including GENETRON AZ-20®, SUVA 410A®, and Puron®.

Servicing existing units

Existing units using R-22 can continue to be serviced with R-22. There is no EPA requirement to change or convert R-22 units for use with a non-ozone-depleting substitute refrigerant. Most of the time, existing units cannot be reused with R-410A. R-410a requires that air conditioning systems operate with pressures almost 50 percent higher than R-22. Because of this, a redesign of the compressor, indoor coil, and refrigerant lines is necessary. Additionally, since R-410A demands special synthetic lubricants for the compressor, there are compatibility issues with the lubricants and other fluids used with the R-22 systems. All of these issues must be carefully evaluated.
        Along with prohibiting the production of ozone-depleting refrigerants, the Clean Air Act also mandates the use of common sense in handling refrigerants. By containing and using refrigerants responsibly -- that is, by recovering, recycling, and reclaiming, and by reducing leaks -- their ozone depletion are minimized. The Clean Air Act outlines specific refrigerant containment and management practices for HVAC manufacturers, distributors, dealers and technicians. Properly installed home comfort systems rarely develop refrigerant leaks, and with proper servicing, a system using R-22, R-410A or another refrigerant will minimize its impact on the environment.

One important thing a homeowner can do for the environment, regardless of the refrigerant used, is to select a reputable dealer that employs service technicians who are EPA and NATE certified to handle refrigerants.

Installing new units

The transition away from ozone-depleting R-22 to systems that rely on R-410A has required redesign of air conditioning systems.  Consumers should be aware that dealers of systems that use R-410A should be schooled in installation and service techniques required for use of that substitute refrigerant.

Another important thing a homeowner can do for the environment is to purchase a highly energy-efficient system. Energy-efficient systems result in cost savings for the homeowner. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save significantly on your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Both R-22 and R-410A systems may have the Energy Star® label. Equipment that displays the Energy Star® label must have a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER specification, the more efficient the equipment.

You should consider energy efficiency, along with performance, reliability and cost, in making your decision. And don't forget that when purchasing a new system, you can also speed the transition away from ozone-depleting R-22 by choosing a system that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants.

What does this all mean?

        In 2006, all Central Air Conditioning units had to be manufactured with a SEER rating of 13 or greater. In 2010, the use of R-22 in new systems has to stop. This combination has caused the replacement of existing system to become very complicated. If a system has R-22 and is over 10 years old, the indoor coil may not be of adequate size to support the new 13 SEER or greater unit. In many cases, in order to change the outdoor unit, the indoor coil or blower unit will have to be changed. If the refrigerant lines are accessible, this is a good time to up grade the entire system to R-410A. With this upgrade, the long term costs will be less because the system will be high efficiency, the cost for the R410A will be less, and the refrigerant will be available long after the R-22 is gone.

        There are many cases where systems cannot be upgraded. Some of these cases are in condominiums, finished basements, attic systems, apartment building where the existing refrigeration lines are installed behind sheetrock ceilings and wall. Since the new R410A operate at pressures 50 percent higher than the old R-22, the process used to install the systems 20 years ago will not standup to these pressures. Also the oil that is used in these refrigeration systems are not compatible. The industry is looking into this problem but does not have a solution at this time. We are encouraging our customers to upgrade there R-22 systems now while the equipment is still available. After 2010, there might not be any way to replace old systems so repair will be the only option. There are many options for high efficiency air conditioners with R-22 on the market. It is still better to have a system with outdated refrigerant than no air conditioning at all.

BELOW IS A GUIDE TO UPGRADING EQUIPMENT BASED ON EFFICIENCY AND AGE. SINCE ALL JOBS ARE DIFFERENT, THE GUIDE IS BASED ON ENERGY USAGE, LONG TERM SERVICE COSTS, AND RELIABILITY.