What is R22?

Have you had a technician out to clean and check your air conditioner this year? If  you have and you have and older unit you might have heard them mention R22. What is R22? R22 is the refrigerant used in the older air conditioning systems to cool the air. R22 stands for refrigerant 22 but is also known as HCFC-22. Its scientific name is Chlorodifluoromethane. They are phasing out R22 because of its negative impact on the Ozone layer. It is also found to be a global warming gas. Since 2010, the EPA has tried to control the damage to the environment by setting very strict restrictions to the production of R22. EPA also banned the sale of new air conditioners that ran on R22. They plan to get rid of all R22 by 2020. For people who have the older systems that are using R22, they are allowing the use of recycled R22 but they cannot use virgin unprocessed R22. The price of R22 is going up more and more to encourage people to switch. You cannot use the new refrigerant in the old systems and you cant use the R22 in any new systems. You will have to replace the system to an all new one that uses the R410A. That is a good thing though becase not only is it better for the environment, its more efficient. You’ll save money on your energy bills and will have a more well cooled house because of the advancements in the new air conditioner systems. If you have an older air conditioner that still uses R22, its time to start saving and budgeting for a new air conditioner that is better for both your home and the planet. Call Bartlett Heating and Air for your free air conditioner quote.