Humid and summer days can be challenging without a central air conditioning system. Especially, if you intend to relish the cool breeze as the sun shines outdoors. It is, however, prudent to note that there is a change in the HVAC industry that may significantly affect you.
The US government has reached its final stage in the R-22 refrigerant phaseout. If your air conditioning system has been in use for the last fifteen years or is in bad shape, it is wise for you to make plans to upgrade your HVAC system. Here are tips to help you decide if your air conditioning system needs an upgrade.
When Was R-22 Banned In the US?
Table of Contents
- 1 When Was R-22 Banned In the US?
- 2 Is R22 Refrigerant Still Available In New Jersey?
- 3 Why Is R22 Banned? Environmental Damage By The Continued Use Of R-22
- 4 Energy Efficiency & Refrigerant Comparison: R-22 vs. R410a. Which Is Better?
- 5 R-22 Refrigerant Price: Why Is R-22 Refrigerant So Expensive?
- 6 Central Air Conditioning Prices: HVAC Tax Credit & AC Rebate Savings
- 7 Conclusion
The use of R-22 as a refrigerant was common until the current changes came to effect. The US government ended the importation and use of R-22 from January 2020 onward. The refrigerant R-22 functions by enabling your cooling system to pull out high temperatures from indoors and drive them outdoors. However, the coolant is no longer ideal as a refrigerant due to its adverse effects on the environment. The end of R-22 as a refrigerant by the US government made it necessary for the HVAC system industry to use better options to comply with the new regulations.
Is R22 Refrigerant Still Available In New Jersey?
R22 refrigerant is still present in the US market. However, due to limited supplies, it is very costly. For instance, you will incur a charge of $2,000 to refill the R22 refrigerant in your air conditioning system. Larger units, consequently, will cost more. Savvy homeowners will need to decide at this point. They will need to compare the cost of recharging an older central air conditioning unit that is declining in energy efficiency and performance or upgrade their central cooling systems.
Contact Skylands Energy Service today for a free inspection and cost exploration for your home cooling systems.
Due to the R-22 refrigerant’s negative impact on the environment, it is necessary for you to get your air conditioning system inspected. This aspect is especially true if it is older than 15 years. You will need to compare the cost of repair or an R-22 recharge to the cost of buying an energy-efficient air conditioning system that is compliant with the US regulations. Furthermore, you can enjoy the discounted price of the new HVAC system this year.
Why Is R22 Banned? Environmental Damage By The Continued Use Of R-22
Research indicates that the compound R-22 a refrigerant used in cooling systems is not friendly to the environment. It has hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFCs[1] that cause the ozone layer to thin and shrink. The ozone layer plays a significant role in protecting the earth from the harsh effects of ultraviolet rays.
After HCFCs and other ozone-depleting substances were banned in many countries, the hole in the ozone layer has shrunk.[2] You can contribute to enhancing a healthy environment, free of HCFCs by substituting the air conditioner that uses R-22 refrigerant with one that uses R-410a, or Puron.
Energy Efficiency & Refrigerant Comparison: R-22 vs. R410a. Which Is Better?
What Are The Differences Between R-22 & R-410a Refrigerants?
| no | R-22 | R-410a |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refrigerant used in older systems. | A new type of refrigerant by the brand named Puron. |
| 2 | R-22 is less energy efficient. It can absorb and release heat in a lesser amount. | It can absorb and release heat in an efficient manner which makes it more competent. |
| 3 | Causes damage to the environment. | More eco-friendly. |
| 4 | Not used in newly-manufactured air conditioners. | Is used in all newly-manufactured air conditioning systems. |
| 5 | Adds to the reduction of the ozone layer. | No contribution to the depletion of the ozone layer. |
| 6 | R-22 refrigerants costs are increasing and are very expensive. | Avoid the risk of overheating and breaking down due to tougher and durable air conditioner parts. |
HVAC systems become inefficient as they grow old. It is due to the collection of dust in the cooling system, wear and tear, and other aspects that come with age. It is wise to know that although old cooling systems are still functional, they are costly to operate in the long run. By using an older unit, you will, inevitably, deal with increased energy consumption and repairs. Enjoy increased efficiency by replacing your old HVAC system. Doing so will significantly reduce your monthly expenditure.
The HVAC industry is continually investing in research to improve the efficiency of cooling systems. For instance, significant changes have been made from the year 2005 until now. Since then, much effort has been put into the efficiency of the cooling system in terms of energy consumption and durability. Furthermore, the current series of HVAC systems are more efficient, making it cheaper to operate a modern cooling system in your home. It fundamentally makes sense for you to invest in the upgraded air conditioning system.
R-22 Refrigerant Price: Why Is R-22 Refrigerant So Expensive?
R-22 refrigerant is still available. However, r-22 refrigerant prices are astronomical. Furthermore, they are expected to grow as we get further away from the deadline. Even before the final deadline took place, manufacturers were no longer producing the compound due to the R-22 phaseout. Instead, they wanted to sell their stocks and produce R22 refrigerant replacements.
If your air conditioner has a leak and the refrigerant falls below critical levels, it will need a refrigerant recharge. Consequently, you will face a high repair bill. The later in the season that your ailing air conditioner requires this service, the more costly that it will be.
Central Air Conditioning Prices: HVAC Tax Credit & AC Rebate Savings
Great bonuses are currently being offered by the government to facilitate your ability to upgrade to a modern air conditioning system. Besides, you can take advantage of the tax break to purchase your new AC system. It will offset the initial investment of buying one. Get more details around the calculations of bonuses from ACCA or Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
If you are contemplating on what you will gain from upgrading your HVAC system, it ultimately means you will enjoy lower energy bills with an improved HVAC system. Be sure to take into consideration an air conditioner’s SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is. With an air conditioner that has a high SEER rating, you will receive more incentives, refunds, and tax credits. You will also appreciate the reduced home cooling costs and a higher level of comfort for you and your family.
Like mpg (miles per every gallon) in the car, the higher the air conditioner’s seer rating, the more comfortable you will get from each energy dollar. Today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.[3]
Get in touch with Skylands Energy Service for accessible tax breaks and other available information in your New Jersey. Call (908) 707-1776 today to schedule your free, in-home HVAC consultation.
Conclusion
Skylands Energy Service is a reliable HVAC service provider in Central New Jersey. We are delighted to provide you with cost-effective HVAC services including extraordinary heating and cooling maintenance, repairs, and installations.
Call today to see why our services outshine other providers. We always aim to offer our clients fast, friendly and knowledgeable services. All of these home comfort services come at reasonable, honest costs. Also, we back up the work that we do with guarantees and warranties.
For more information about our scope of air conditioning services, get in touch with Skylands Energy Service today. Our courteous staff will schedule a free, in-home estimate. Contact us today.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (908) 707-1776 if you have any questions.
[1] Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) (https://www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout)
[2] Ozone depletion, explained (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/ozone-depletion/)
[3] US Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/central-air-conditioning)