R-22 Phaseout: What it Means for You
The R-22 final phase out is fast approaching. R-22, also known as freon, is the old standard refrigerant for residential air conditioning units. Production of R-22 will end on January 1, 2020, but they will be recycling and selling refined R-22 refrigerant until 2030 or until the surplus is depleted.
You may have heard a lot of noise about R-22 this year, since production in 2019 was mandated to drop 55% from last year. As a homeowner, contractor, facilities manager, or business owner, you are going to need to make some decisions about your outdated HVAC system before the 2020 deadline. Here are some things you will need to consider.
If Your AC Breaks Down, Expect Long Waits & Inflated Prices
If your R-22 air conditioning unit breaks this summer, you might be without AC for a while. With the 2020 deadline imminent, there’s a lot of demand for replacement and repair this year. Will you be able to get by if your unit breaks down in the middle of a heatwave? Many people are likely to be in the same situation. Additionally, the costs of freon have skyrocketed this year as its availability wanes. If your repair requires R-22, you should expect to pay a steep price to recharge it in an emergency, and a long wait for installation.
Retrofitting Might Be an Option
By replacing the outdoor system only while leaving the indoor part, your R-22 unit can be converted to R410-A; however, this solution will only be available for certain air conditioning units. To see if this is possible, you will need an inspection from an HVAC expert to learn more about the technical limitations of your unit.
However, if you’re already having issues with your system, the costs of retrofitting may not be worth the trouble. Again, consult an HVAC technician you trust to see if this is a good option for you.
Buy a New System
If you can afford the upfront price, replacing your entire unit is probably the safest and most cost-effective option in the long run. This will help you get ahead of any unforeseen issues, and reduce your risk of an emergency repair or replacement down the road. Speak with an expert to help you research and decide the best replacement plan for your needs.
Homeowners Could Save Big with a Choice Home Warranty ¹
The costs of R-22 will continue to rise as availability decreases. At Choice Home Warranty, we cover the costs of adding R-22 when completing a covered air conditioning repair while the refrigerant is still available.
Entice prospective homebuyers and make homeownership more affordable for your clients by including a Choice Home Warranty on your listings. Register today or call 888-275-2980 to learn more.
¹ Limitations and Exclusions apply. Consult your Choice Home Warranty Protection Plan Terms and Conditions for complete coverage details.
