The next time you need to recharge the refrigerant in your air conditioner or heat pump, be prepared for a shock. The cost of the refrigerant in most current cooling systems has been sharply increasing. R22 refrigerant, commonly referred to by the brand name Freon, is being phased out in response to an international climate change treaty. As of 2010, no new A/Cs or heat pumps could be charged with R22 refrigerant, and all the models manufactured since then have been charged with an environmentally friendly substitute refrigerant. R22 won’t work in the new equipment.
R22 refrigerant prices are expected to triple this summer, and the price shock will especially affect owners of old A/Cs and heat pumps that need their R22 recharged because of leaks or damage. By 2020, no new R22 refrigerant will be imported or manufactured, and only a limited supply of recycled R22 will be available.. At that time, if your older equipment needs refrigerant, you may be out of luck.
So how can you avoid paying outrageous R22 refrigerant prices? If your A/C or heat pump is relatively new, less than eight to 10 years old, for example, you probably don’t need to panic. The likelihood of needing an R22 recharge in the near future is small. But if you have an older system, it’s much more vulnerable to breakdowns or leaks. In this situation, you should strongly consider purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner or heat pump that uses the new refrigerant formula. There are many benefits to upgrading your cooling equipment as R22 refrigerant prices continue to rise:
- Savings of up to 30 percent off your current cooling energy costs when upgrading an old model
- More even and thorough cooling of your home, with improved air filtration and humidity control
- Avoiding future shortages and outrageous R22 refrigerant prices
Contact us at Ernst Heating & Cooling for expert answers to your questions about the benefits of upgrading your cooling system now. We’ve been serving the heating and cooling needs of customers in the Metro-East area since 1954.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about R22 refrigerant prices and other HVAC topics, visit our blog.
Ernst Heating & Cooling services Hamel, Illinois and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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