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R-22 also known as Freon Refrigerants are Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) chemicals that contain hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon. R-22 refrigerants are ruled to be phased out In completely on Jan 1, 2020 by The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA. This organization sets federal laws for HVACR contractors and manufacturers. They establish guidelines, restrictions and penalties for releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere. Air Conditioner & Refrigeration equipment manufacturers are now required to use R410 for all residential and light commercial HVAC applications. Although it is illegal o manufacture HVACR systems with phased-out refrigerants, it is not illegal to service and repair existing air conditioning and heat pump systems with an R-22 refrigeration system.
The Impact Of Refrigerants On The Environment
The impact of refrigerants on the environment is measured in two ways by the Environmental Protection Agency.
1. Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): ODP indicates the ability of a refrigerant to destroy the ozone layer. The spectrum to measure the severity of ODP is between 0 to 1 being the most harmful.
2. Global warming potential (GWP): GWP measures the ability of a gas to contribute to global warming. Below is a table showing the global warming potential and ozone depletion potential for different types of refrigerants. These data are taken from Goodheart- Wilcox Publisher.
Refrigerants And The Ozone Layer
In The 1970s, satellites were placed in orbit to examine the atmosphere and climate of the Earth. Later scientists discovered that the protective layer of ozone had a hole in it. The ozone layer protects planet life and prevents the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. Scientists concluded that ozone layer depletion is a result of numerous man-made gases that escape and rise up into the atmosphere. a few groups of ages like CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) like R-11, 12 and HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) like R22, R123 and HFCs contribute to these climate change events as well. In an attempt to stop Ozone Layer Depletion, new laws were put in place to ban the production of CFCs in all large developed countries. This law came into effect on January 1, 1989, and was known as the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol required the US and other developed countries to stop producing CFC refrigerants like R-11 & R-12 by January 1, 1996. This resulted in the development and invention of new refrigerants since then.
R-22 Was Phased Out On January 1, 2010
Similar to Montreal Porticool 1996, a new protocol came into existence as of Jan 1, 2010, that placed a ban on the production and import of R-22 Refrigerant in the United States. This ban still allows contractors to continue servicing the existing R22 equipment. The plan to phase out R-22 took many years to be completed. In 2020, no new supplies were officially brought into Canada or the U.S.The phase-out period allowed Canadians to replace older Air Conditioners and heat pump systems gradually to invest in new ozone-friendly cooling systems like R-410a Air Conditioners.
How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Uses R-22 Refrigerant
Every Air Conditioner system has a sticker or nameplate that indicates the model number, serial number, electrical data and much more important specifications of the system. Your existing air conditioner nameplate must also show the type of refrigerant you’re currently using.
For Residential Air Conditioners: If you live in a residential house, you can walk to the side of the house and look for a sticker on the outdoor unit. Residential air conditioning systems typically use either R-22 or R-410A.
Condo & Apartment Air Conditioner Systems: Condo Air Conditioner units also have a nameplate. You can locate the nameplate by opening the access door and looking inside the cabinet where the system is located. Once found the nameplate, look for the section where it indicates the type of refrigerant your system is currently using.
Can I Use R-410A In An R-22 Air Conditioning Systems
Yes, but the process of converting the refrigerant from R-22 to R-410a would be costly. Most HVAC contractors will refuse to do this work because of the high cost of labour and materials. The other downside is older equipment uses older parts, therefore, it would be harder to provide a post-service warranty for the contractor. Considering most older R-22 air conditioning systems are now at least 11 Years old, it’s not worth it to retrofit your old AC unit. A brand new air conditioner is already designed and built to use R-410. Also, keep in mind that most newer AC system starts at 13 SEER and up. Your new Air Conditioner will be more efficient and consume less energy during the summer season.
Condo Heat Pumps With R-22
If your Condo Heat pump System is currently running on R-22, you may want to consider your replacement options in advance. This is because you are limited with replacement options when it comes to replacement units for condo air conditioners. Unlike residential air conditioners and Heat Pump systems, Condo Heat Pump & Air Conditioner Systems are only limited to a few replacement options. This is because of how the condo is designed and engineered. You can only select the specific type, model and dimension for the Condo Heat Pump Replacement Chassis.
Condo Heat Pump Leak
Our technicians deal with Condo Heat Pump Leaks almost daily. If your heat pump system is diagnosed with refrigerant leaks while it is using R-22 refrigeration, we recommend you explore replacement options before proceeding with the repair. This is again because you may end up paying up to 50% cost of a new R410A heat pump chassis to repair your old system while you receive only a limited warranty on the service provided.
