Every air conditioning unit uses refrigerant to cool down the air that enters and goes through the system. Thanks to this pressurized liquid, your HVAC system can provide consistent temperatures to ensure indoor comfort. Otherwise, your system wouldn’t be able to function. Although R-22 is one of the most popular refrigerants, it, unfortunately, is also harmful to the environment.
As of January 2020, U.S. consumers and retailers are no longer allowed to produce, sell or import R-22 refrigerants. While you can still use an air conditioner or heat pump system that uses an R-22 refrigerant, there are a few things you should consider, especially if you need to repair your refrigerant lines.
Here All Seasons Inc., one of the leading air conditioning companies, discusses what you should do if your AC or heat pump still uses R-22 refrigerant.
First of all, you need to identify what type of refrigerant is used in your air conditioner or heat pump. If it was manufactured or installed before 2010, you likely have a unit that uses R-22 refrigerant. You should also look for the sticker on the side of your unit that identifies the type of refrigerant it uses. To be sure, you may want to get in touch with a licensed HVAC contractor for confirmation.
Now that you’ve identified that your AC or heat pump uses an R-22 refrigerant, take note that you don’t have to replace your unit immediately. Like homeowners, suppliers aren’t required to get rid of the R-22 refrigerants they already have.
However, you should evaluate your options in the event your air conditioner or heat pump system fails or springs a leak. Repairing R-22 refrigerant lines may be costly, especially as the supply becomes more limited. For this reason, the best solution is to replace your air conditioner or heat pump with a new one, especially if your unit is nearing the end of its service life. New air conditioning units have several other benefits. They run quietly and efficiently, saving you energy and money. A new system will provide more comfort and improve the value of your home as well.
Whether you choose to have your system repaired or replaced, be sure to hire professional HVAC contractors for regular maintenance. For top-quality HVAC services, look no further than All Seasons Inc. To learn more, call us today at (253) 879-9144 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Puyallup and Tacoma, WA.