The trusty air conditioner that’s kept your home cool for so long may have an important supply problem on the horizon. R-22 (commonly referred to by its trademarked name, Freon) is slated to be completely phased out in 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about the change and how it could affect your home.

What to Do if Your AC Uses Freon

Why Is R-22 Being Phased Out?

R-22 belongs to a larger group of chemicals called hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Studies have shown that HCFCs contribute to serious environmental issues, including ozone depletion and global warming. If you remember the 1980s, you may recall all the fuss over hairspray and other aerosol products due to HCFCs. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called for some HCFCs, including R-22, to be completely phased out by 2020.

How Does This Affect My Home?

For many years, R-22 was the primary coolant used in air conditioners. But the end of its production might not affect your home at all if your unit has been upgraded to a newer model in recent years. Most modern air conditioners use R410A instead of R-22. Because R410A doesn’t have the same environmental impact as R-22, units that use the chemical won’t be affected by the change in production. 

If your air conditioner is older, however, it most likely runs on R-22. The good news is that you won’t have to throw out your unit on January 1, 2020. The bad news is that you won’t be able to refill its supply of R-22 easily once a recharge is necessary. You’ll be able to secure recycled R-22, but this is expected to become expensive over time.

What to Do if Your Air Conditioner Uses R-22

Calling a professional air conditioning repair service and scheduling an inspection is your first step. The technician will be able to definitively tell if the unit uses R-22 and recommended the route you should take. Depending on the age of your system, it may be much more cost-effective to upgrade to a new unit instead of dealing with the hassle of finding recycled R-22 for maintenance purposes. With the technician's help, you can determine the best option so your home can remain cool and comfortable without breaking the bank for many years to come. 

Whether or not your air conditioner will be affected by the change to R-22’s production, Walker Electric Inc. in Andalusia, AL, is your go-to source for all things cooling. The company’s skilled technicians can handle any type of air conditioning concern, from repairs to full installations. Even better, the company offers flexible and convenient financing options so your home can be comfortable without going outside of your budget. Visit the website for more information on the services available or call (334) 222-2481 to speak with a friendly representative today.