R-22 is a refrigerant that is often used in air conditioning equipment. Because R-22 depletes the ozone layer, production and import was further limited in 2010. In 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported. After 2020, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available. The production (not use) of R-22 is being phased out. You are not required to stop using R-22 air conditioners nor to replace existing equipment. The phaseout period provides time to switch to ozone-friendly refrigerants when you normally would replace your air conditioner. In the future, R-22 supplies will be more limited and costs to service equipment with R-22 may rise. (Phasing out HCFC refrigerants to protect the ozone layer (epa.gov))

Phaseout of R-22 and R142b HCFC-22 (also called R-22) and HCFC-142b are the next two HCFCs that the United States will phase out. The schedule to phase out HCFCs is: January 1, 2010 Ban on production, import and use of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b, except for continuing servicing needs of existing equipment January 1, 2015 Ban on production, import, and use of all HCFCs, except for continuing servicing needs of refrigeration equipment January 1, 2020 Ban on remaining production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b. After 2020, the servicing of systems with R-22 will rely on recycled or stockpiled quantities January 1, 2030 Ban on remaining production and import of all HCFCs (Phasing out HCFC refrigerants to protect the ozone layer (epa.gov))

What does this mean for me?

If you still have an old R-22 unit we can still work on them. We have a small amount of R-22 left. If you need R-22 it means your system has a LEAK somewhere. The R-22 we add in will leak back out at some point. We don't know how long it will take to leak back out. It's a gamble when filling a unit with R-22. The amount you need depends on how low the amount is remaining in the system. We cannot just "add a pound" if you need multiple pounds. The system will not function properly if we do not add the amount it needs. It's not like gas in a car where you can put a quarter tank in and be ok.

What's the best option?

The best option is whatever you choose. We can continue using the R-22 we have left. We do not offer any drop-in solutions at this time. We can also replace the system with a BRAND-NEW HVAC system with the newer R410A refrigerant. We offer 10-year labor extensions as well so you can be WORRY FREE for 10 years! We offer financing on all residential HVAC SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS as well with approved credit.