As science progresses and discoveries are made, some old technologies have to be phased out. This year, that includes many of the air conditioners currently in use across America. These cooling units rely on R-22 refrigerant, also called Freon®, which is being phased out of production in January 2020.

What Is Freon?

Your air conditioner needs a refrigerant to run. This substance is contained in the condenser coils, and it is pressurized to manipulate the temperature. Up until recent years, R-22 has been one of the most common refrigerants used. However, it's been found to deplete the ozone layer in earth's atmosphere, which is needed to protect us from harmful radiation. For this reason, the U.S. has passed laws to stop producing and using R-22.

How Does This Affect You?

At the start of January, companies in the U.S. will stop producing or importing R-22. This means only the stockpiles of the chemical already in the country can be used to provide HVAC maintenance for air conditioners that rely on it. While you can still schedule service tuneups with a contractor, the price is likely to increase as supplies dwindle. Air conditioners that use R-22 can't be converted to use the alternative R410A refrigerant, so you'll eventually need to replace your cooling system with one which is designed to work with the new chemical. Both homes and businesses are affected, but business owners may be able to get a tax break for changing to this greener alternative for their commercial HVAC equipment.

If you need a new air conditioner to prepare for the elimination of Freon, Barkley Blevins Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning will help you choose and install a high-quality unit that fits your home. Based in Lexington, KY, and serving Fayette County, they have almost 130 years of history providing reliable service using the latest techniques. Available 24/7, this family-owned company is dedicated to quality and efficiency. To schedule a visit, call (859) 252-3519 or reach out online.