When the U.S. signed the Montreal Protocol in 1988, the federal EPA established a timeline for the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant. We’ve reached the point where R-22 refrigerant supplies have decreased and the price in 2013 is getting even higher. As supplies diminish, the cost of replenishing older air conditioning systems that use it will continue to rise.
R-22 is an environmentally hazardous refrigerant that’s been replaced in new equipment with a safer refrigerant formula, R-410A. Unfortunately, systems that use R-22 are not compatible with R-410A, so when your air conditioner that uses R-22 starts to act up, it may be time to replace it instead of repairing it.
The last year R-22 could be used in new cooling equipment was in 2009, and while it’s not likely you’ll need refrigerant replacement for years, it could cost you significantly more when the refrigerant does need replenishing.
New cooling systems offer exceptional energy efficiency, with SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratios) starting at 13 and rising into the 20s. Rather than spending the extra money to refill a system that requires R-22, using that money to invest in a new, efficient system could make more financial sense in an era of diminishing R-22 refrigerant supplies.
Your cooling bills will be lower for decades to come, and some of the recent improvements to air conditioners may increase your comfort. For example, manufacturers have increased operating efficiency by using variable-speed blower motors that remove more indoor humidity and offer better air filtration.
Dual-speed compressors are another recent option that lowers cooling costs by running at a slower speed when the cooling load is lighter, reserving the highest speed for exceptionally hot weather. This type of compressor also removes more humidity and airborne particulates when it’s running on its low speed.
If you’d like to learn more about the decline in R-22 refrigerant supplies and how to plan for certain price increases or a system replacement, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided excellent HVAC services in the Twin Cities since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about R-22 refrigerant and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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