R-22 Freon Phaseout for AC Systems

When & Why R-22 Is Being Phased Out of Use & What You Need to Do About It Now

How old is your air conditioning system? If it’s at least 10 years old, it probably uses a chemical refrigerant known as R-22 or Freon®. And if your AC does use R-22, you can expect more trouble trying to get it and higher costs if you can locate it come 2020.

That’s because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered a national ban on producing and importing R-22. Here’s everything you need to know about this R-22 phaseout so you can take action now if you need to.

What Is R-22 Refrigerant?

R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that the EPA has classified as an ozone-depleting substance (ODS). R-22 is one type of refrigerant used in AC systems. Although it’s an efficient and effective refrigerant, it’s known to be harmful to the environment, it degrades quickly, and it’s toxic.

What Is the Phaseout & Why Is It Occurring?

Given how harmful R-22 is—and the fact that there are other refrigerant options available—EPA regulators have called for this chemical to be phased out of use, production, and circulation in the U.S. by 2020.

This phaseout is part of a larger global trend, as many other countries have already phased out or are planning to phase out R-22.

What Does the R-22 Phaseout Mean for Me?

If your cooling system uses R-22:

• R-22 is already becoming scarce and extremely expensive in the U.S.
• In less than six months, it’s going to be exceptionally harder to find R-22 to replace your system’s refrigerant for maintenance and leak repair needs.

Replacing your AC that uses R-22 now can save you a lot of money in the future.

Not only will you save on refrigerant and repair costs, but you’ll also have time to find the best new air conditioner for your needs, home, and budget. Plus, if your AC is at least 10 years old, a new air conditioner will be much more energy-efficient, saving you money in monthly energy bills.

Blind & Sons proudly offers state-of-the-art cooling systems from Lennox, one of the most trusted HVAC brands since 1895. Our experts can help you choose the ideal Lennox air conditioner for your Northeast Ohio home, and we can handle everything necessary to remove your old system and replace it with a new one.

How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Uses R-22 Freon?

Check the manufacturer’s data plate on your system. It’s usually located on the outer housing, and it should specify the type of refrigerant your system uses.

If you can’t find this information on your AC or if you need any assistance with your cooling system, just contact the expert AC contractors at Blind & Sons at (330) 753-7711 for help.

We can quickly determine what type of refrigerant your system uses and explain your best air conditioner replacement options, based on your home and comfort needs.

Need AC Replacement or Cooling System Service in Akron or Northeast Ohio? Contact Blind & Sons

Blind & Sons can handle all of your air conditioning needs, from AC replacement and installation to AC repairs and tune-ups. So, whenever you need air conditioner services in your Akron or Northeast Ohio home, don’t hesitate to contact the trusted pros at Blind & Sons!

Call (330) 753-7711 or contact us online now for more info about the R-22 phase out or to schedule AC service for your Northeast Ohio home! We proudly offer 24/7 emergency service!

We also invite you to check out our money-saving coupons and excellent financing options so you can get the best deal on a new air conditioner or AC service!