Are you a home owner or property manager in Gilbert, Arizona? If so, you may have heard about the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant in HVAC systems. Here’s an overview of what R-22 is and why it’s being phased out so that you can better understand your home’s HVAC system.
What is R-22?
R-22 stands for “refrigerant 22,” which is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant that has been used in air conditioning systems since the 1950s. As an HCFC, R-22 was used as a coolant because it had ozone depleting properties—which made it effective at cooling air and maintaining comfortable temperatures indoors while also being cost effective.
Why Is R-22 Being Phased Out?
As people began to realize the environmental impact of HCFCs on the ozone layer, governments around the world began to take action. In 1987, developed nations signed the Montreal Protocol which set limits for ozone depleting substances like HCFCs and outlined plans for phasing them out over time and replacing them with more environmentally friendly alternatives. So, beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2020, all production and importation of R-22 will be prohibited by law.
What Does This Mean For Property Owners?
Property owners who have older HVAC systems can still use them as long as they are kept running properly with routine maintenance and repairs when necessary. However, if your system does need to be replaced or repaired with parts containing R-22 refrigerants, you may find that these become increasingly expensive due to their limited availability on the market. It may also be difficult to find contractors who are willing to work on older systems due to liability issues related to working with outdated technology. Ultimately the best thing property owners can do is assess their current system and decide whether now is a good time to invest in replacing it with a more energy efficient model that uses newer technology like Puron® refrigerant instead of R-22.
If you own property in Gilbert Arizona or anywhere else where they use HVAC systems containing R-22 refrigerants then it’s important to understand what this phase out means for your system so that you know how best to maintain it going forward. Suttle Air has decades of experience working with all types of HVAC systems and can help ensure that your system runs efficiently for years to come even after the phase out period ends. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you stay up to date on advances in HVAC technology!