• 21 Dec, 2022
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r22 freon Ban – What the New Regulations Mean for You

As of January 1, 2020, R22 refrigerant has become illegal to manufacture and import into the U.S. This harmful product is contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. While the R22 ban is good news for the environment, you may be worried about your HVAC system. As the world turns to clear energy and safer products, we’re going to see shifts in the HVAC industry. If you have a unit that uses r22 freon to operate, we can help. Our techs are familiar with heat pump units, ductless units, and more. From maintenance to repair, Aspire Heating & Cooling has your solutions.

Maintenance for Older Units Using r22 freon

First, if you have a system that is working just fine, there is no need to panic. Any HVAC unit in good condition should not need more Freon to operate. Typically, our technicians would only need to add R22 refrigerant if your system has a leak. Adding more refrigerant is not a part of normal routine maintenance for a heat pump or ductless unit. It doesn’t go bad.

However, the routine maintenance we perform is more important than ever before if you have an older unit. Currently, the cost of Freon when there is a leak is a minor to mid-tier expense. After the ban, the cost will rise exponentially. So, you want to ensure that leaks do not happen in the first place. If there is a leak, you want to catch it right away, which will also help on your energy bill.

The best way to prevent leaks in an older system is to schedule our team for regular maintenance visits. We have tune-up plans that fit all needs, from small residential units to large commercial systems. With regular AC service, we can catch small problems and prevent leaks in the future. Click here to learn more about our service plans. There are many advantages to having a service plan. Not only do you save money on the visit, but you prolong the life of your HVAC unit.

Keep in mind that in addition to checking for leaks, we also clean your heat pump system, and more. Our goal is to ensure your HVAC unit is in good condition and is operating in an energy-efficient way. Whatever type of system you have, the goal is always to have low energy costs.

Do You Need to Replace an Older Unit?

You don’t need to replace your heat pump or AC unit immediately because of the Freon ban. It is still legal to own a unit that uses Freon. It is simply a ban on manufacturing/importing the refrigerant in the future to promote cleaner energy practices. You’ll only need to replace if there’s a leak and the repair cost would be exorbitant. We have already seen costs rise in the past few years as the government has phased out importing this chemical.

In some cases, you may be able to retrofit your unit to use R410A, which is better for the environment. It is not as easy as replacing the refrigerant. r22 freon and R410A work with completely different types of heat pump lubricating oils. Simply put, if you add R410A to an R22 unit, it won’t work. Our team can let you know if your unit is eligible for a retrofit.

If it is not, we can help you replace your unit when this becomes the best option. As noted, if you have an older unit, your best option currently is probably to schedule regular maintenance. However, when it is time for a new unit, our licensed and certified team of professionals can give you a full price quote. No surprises and no inflated fees; when you work with us, you get honest and transparent pricing.

As an added bonus, newer units are more energy-efficient and improve the air quality in your home or business. So, even if you don’t have a Freon leak yet, you may want to think about upgrading. The savings on your energy bill could help you cover the expense of the new unit.

To learn more or schedule a free quote, contact an Aspire Heating & Cooling team member today.