Consumer Information on R-22 Air Conditioner Refrigerant Phase Out
Effective January 2020, you will no longer be able to access R-22 refrigerant (also known as Freon) for your air conditioning system. It is being replaced with a new cleaner, greener refrigerant called R-410A or Puron. Puron is a safe, non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally responsible refrigerant.
You cannot mix the two refrigerants, nor should you use the new R-410A in units manufactured prior to January 2010.
Here are some commonly asked questions:
Why are they banning R-22?
Under the Montreal Protocol, the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies worldwide are phasing out the hydrochlorofluorocarbon R-22 which depletes the ozone layer.
Does my AC system use R-22?
If your air conditioning unit was installed prior to 2010, then it probably uses R-22. Check your owner’s manual or contact your local dealer.
Can I replace R-22 with R-410A?
Not a good idea. Here’s why:
- The new R-410A runs at a higher pressure so new condensers are built to handle greater stress. Putting R-410A refrigerant into an older system built to run with R-22 would be too much pressure and the unit would most likely crack.
- Old compressors using R-22 are lubricated with mineral oil. Today’s AC units use synthetic oil to reduce wear and tear on the compressor.
- Your system will continue to degrade and your costs to keep your old AC running are going to increase.
Good news. Better performance. Best in comfort.
Air conditioning systems designed to be used with R-410A provide better comfort and more efficient operation because the new refrigerant can absorb and release more heat than R-22. Carrier took a proactive and leading role in developing residential and commercial HVAC-R equipment that could use the new replacement refrigerant R-410A (Puron). In fact, they were the first company to introduce an R-410A air conditioning unit to the residential market in 1996.
Today’s new air conditioning systems are extremely energy efficient = lower utility bills. And don’t forget to talk with your contractor about available manufacturer, utility, and state rebates.
If you have had a leak or had to recharge your R-22, you may want to start planning for a replacement air conditioner.
Need help? Contact your local dealer today.
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