Did you know that your Scottsdale air conditioning or heat pump uses a substance called a refrigerant to evaporate heat from the air, leaving it many degrees cooler as a result? Similarly, did you know that the refrigerant in your system may be helping to deplete the ozone and fueling global warming? Determined to be a damaging greenhouse gas, the commonly used refrigerant R-22 (also known as HCFC-22), is being phased out of production around the world. In agreement with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone, the U.S. established a timeline to reduce production and import of the substance into the country1. In 2020, its production is set to stop altogether1. What does this mean for those of you with systems using R-22?
Fortunately, only the manufacture of the substance is being regulated and not its use. This means that you will still be able to use your system for many years into the future, and your local Ahwatukee AC repair company will still have access to it for conducting maintenance and repairs on your systems. On the other hand, price of the refrigerant may increase as supply decreases, which is something to keep in mind in the future. While this is a gradual process and no immediate effects should be expected in the near future, there are some solutions to consider. An HVAC professional may be able to retrofit your existing system for use with R-22 substitutes such as R-410A, or in conjunction with other considerations, you may choose to replace your system with a newer model which is designed for use with the R-410A.
New systems also have energy efficiency benefits which typically lead to reduced monthly utility bills, and new installations may come with valuable tax incentives and rebates as well. Wondering if your system even uses R-22? If your air conditioner or heat pump was manufactured before 2010, there is a good chance that it does. You can check your owner’s manual, examine the outside of your outdoor condensing unit to see if the refrigerant type is displayed, or you can simply call Scottsdale Air to ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable employees about your system type. No matter what HVAC questions you may have, or services you may need, we are here for you. Call today!
Sources:
1PhaseOutFacts.org; http://www.phaseoutfacts.org/App_Content/PhaseOutFacts/files/equipmentOwners/RefrigerantsAndYourAC_System.pdf
