In 1992 there was an international environmental agreement that required worldwide phase out of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer. HCFC-22 (also known as R-22, also known as Freon) has been the go to refrigerant for residential air-conditioning systems for over four decades. Unfortunately, releases of R-22, as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion. In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas and the manufacture of R-22 contributes significantly to global warming. As the manufacture of R-22 is being phased out as per agreement to end production of HCFCs, manufacturers of AC systems are offering equipment that has ozone-friendly refrigerants. Over the last several years the price of R-22 has increased exponentially while prices of the more popular and ozone friendly R-410a has dropped down.
If you have a system that is leaking you will definitely notice that it is getting increasingly more expensive to fill it up. It is also very bad for the environment. There are two choices that we see fit, either fix the leak or replace the equipment. Do the environment and your wallet a favor and get to the core of the problem. If your equipment has failed and you are considering replacing it ask for the new R-410 refrigerant. If you have any questions please call Affordable A-Jay Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll be happy to hear from you.
disclaimer: part of this article was copied and paraphrased directly from EPA website www.epa.gov
