Why use r22

Keep reading to learn more about the harmful effects of the R22 refrigerant and why you need to upgrade your HVAC system today. Attempts to harness the cold for personal use began in the mids when Dr. William Cullen published a book about evaporating fluids and the means of producing cold. In , three scientists created the chlorofluorocarbon CFC refrigerants. One of the compounds produced from this elemental alliance was R22, which is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon HCFC. Also referred to as R freon or HCFC freon, the R22 became the standard refrigerant used in air conditioning systems ever since.

Decades later scientists discovered that chlorine, a component of both CFC and HCFC refrigerants, had been damaging the ozone layer and our health.

Once chlorine is released into the air, it has the ability to bind with organic and inorganic materials. In the stratosphere, they are finally broken down by UV radiation where they release highly reactive chlorine atoms.

When these atoms are released, they go on to react with the ozone O3. This creates another reaction that releases more chlorine atoms, and so a chain of reactions is created, destroying the ozone. The chlorine atoms eventually make their way back down to the lower atmosphere where they form stable compounds. They react with methane and create hydrogen chloride.

Hydrogen chloride reacts with water vapors and creates hydrochloric acid. This is the recipe for acid rain. Consistent exposure to breathing in chlorine over a long period of time has been shown to affect the immune system, the heart, the blood and the respiratory system in animals and humans.

These effects include skin and eye irritation, coughing, chest pains, water retention in the lungs, and cancer. The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement to protect our environment by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances ODS. Under this protocol, all ozone-depleting substances are considered a class I or class II controlled substance. This was a step-by-step plan to keep from having a severe economic impact on the private and public sectors.

It gave home and business owners the option to switch to chlorine-free refrigerants once it was time to replace their current air conditioning system or heat pump. The plan is set to completely phase out the R22 refrigerant as well as the common refrigerant blends that contain HCFC by the year There are actually a total of 34 HCFCs being phased out.

By January 1, , the ban on the production, import, and use of all HCFCs began except for the continuing service needs of refrigeration systems. However, by the year , R22 and the like will no longer be or produced nor imported for continuing service needs. After the year , only reclaimed, recycled, or previously produced HCFC can be used to service existing equipment. Until we hit the year that is. Since the R22 and other HCFC refrigerants are being phased out, manufacturers of heat pumps and air conditioning equipment have redesigned their systems.

The new systems will welcome the new, chlorine-free RA. Unfortunately, due to the global warming potential of all HFC refrigerants, another amendment to the Montreal Protocol was made. There is another phase-down plan happening for the RA which is expected to begin in the year In the meantime, homeowners with this upgraded system will at least be purchasing a chlorine-free option, and increasing energy efficiency at the same time.

The future looks like a single-component refrigerant called R It is said to only have one-third the global warming potential as its predecessor, the RA refrigerant. EPA , in cooperation with other agencies and groups around the world, initiated a phase out of many ozone-depleting agents as part of an international agreement known as the Montreal Protocol. The regulation lists many HCFCs and CFCs different types of refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer , but R22 is recognized as one of the worst offenders.

In , the phase out of R22 production and imports launched. By the start of the production and import of R22 was reduced. However, servicing current, existing equipment is still acceptable as long as there is an available supply of R The limits on R22 consumption were implemented in and follow a declining trend until If you are starting to think this is a great topic for an economics professor regarding supply and demand, then you are correct.

As you likely understand, older air conditioners could more frequently experience leaks and need repairs. Prices have only risen due to scarcity. In addition, there are some strict regulations now on how refrigerant is reclaimed and recycled, which adds to the cost. This fee is passed on to the homeowner as companies are forced to cover the increased overhead associated with R22 repairs.

There are requirements for importing, labeling, record keeping, reporting, destruction and reclaiming of R22 from existing systems. The cost of R22 is radically increasing because of the declining supply, and new refrigerant will no longer be available for use at all after , with the exception of recycled quantities.

If you have an air conditioning system that was built before , your AC will probably have R However, if you installed your air conditioner after January 1, , then your unit may not have R This nameplate is typically found on the outdoor condenser of your central air conditioning system.

If you have a maintenance agreement with us, we also have your information on hand and a tech can let you know immediately if your unit uses R The industry has changed from R22 to Ra, which you may identify by the brand name Puron. There are some valuable benefits to switching from an R22 air conditioning unit to one that uses Ra. What is R22?

Why is R22 being phased out? How do I know if my air conditioning system uses R22? When is the R22 phase out taking place? If my system runs on R22, what should I do? What are my R22 Replacement options? There is no need to replace your existing system if it is operating normally, but if you find that it needs servicing, you have a few options: Continue using R R22 can still be used to service existing air conditioners, but supplies will be more limited and more expensive as the refrigerant is harder to source.

Make sure your air conditioning technician repairs damaged refrigerant lines instead of merely topping off leaky air conditioners. Be aware that 1 older AC models that use R22 may also not be running at peak efficiency, and 2 the cost of R22 will continue to increase as it becomes less available.

Most work okay but will result in decreased reliability and performance. For this reason, you should only use drop-ins for quick, temporary repairs and have a different long-term replacement plan in mind. Install a new system: To save money on future repairs and do your part for the environment, consider replacing your air conditioner sooner rather than later, especially if the equipment is already 10 years old. Newer systems uses acceptable refrigerants such as Rs, and has the added benefit of increasing the resale value of your home.

Can RA be used in an R22 air conditioner? How do I dispose of R22 safely? Learn more at the EPA website For answers to your other R22 replacement questions, or to schedule air conditioning services , please contact Petro Home Services today. Click here.