R-22 Refrigerant Answers From The AC ExpertsA few years ago we announced that the government was changing their refrigerant standards for residential central air conditioners. In short, they required that the most common refrigerant, R-22 (which also happens to be harmful to the environment) be phased out and eliminated from use by the year 2020. This regulation also required air conditioning manufacturers to cease the shipment of R-22 refrigerant with any newly-produced air conditioning systems. When you buy a new air conditioner these days it will most likely contain the more environmentally-friendly R-410A refrigerant or a legal alternative. Although, some manufacturers have made available new ACs called ‘dry charge’ systems, designed for R-22 refrigerant, but instead of shipping with the refrigerant inside, the refrigerant is added on-site by the contractor during installation.The new refrigerant policies have put many homeowners and HVAC contractors alike in a unique predicament.

The situation raises significant questions about the best solution when an AC problem or AC repair is needed: should the homeowner pay the high price to recharge their system with R-22 refrigerant, or attempt to use an alternate refrigerant, or buy a new air conditioner altogether? When buying a new air conditioning system, should the homeowner buy a new R-410A refrigerant system or risk buying a "dry-charge" system? The latter is often the lower-cost solution in the short term, but longer-term, repercussions of that choice are becoming clearer; no new R-22 refrigerant will be produced after the year 2019… which as we get closer to that date, will continue to cause the cost of R-22 to exponentially skyrocket. Still, that deadline is several years away, and the average life-span of many home air conditioners is 8-15 years.We always make recommendations for a homeowner based on their specific situation, since every home, homeowner and their family is very different. To help clearly consider the options we’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions regarding these issues.

We hope these FAQs will help you understand fully how the R-22 phase-out will affect your decision-making, and help you ensure your HVAC contractor is really providing recommendations that are truly in your best interest. For more information or specific questions on your home, call us at and we will be happy to schedule a free in-home consultation for you.How do I know if my current air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant?Why does it cost so much more to service my home’s air conditioner now?Why is the R-22 refrigerant being phased out of production?What is the time frame for the R-22 phase-out and how much longer will R-22 be available for my AC?Do homeowners have to stop using air conditioners that operate with R-22 Refrigerant?Are there approved replacements for R-22 that are more cost effective for needed repairs?Will using R-22 alternative products void the manufacturer’s warranty on the air conditioner?What options are available to homeowners who need service on an air conditioner that operates with R-22?

If I choose to replace my outdoor A/C or heat pump unit with a new unit that uses the more environmentally friendly R410A, do I also have to replace the indoor unit?Should I buy a new “Dry Charge” air conditioning system?Why would I buy a R-410A refrigerant system?Greater energy efficiency for reduced cost of comfortLeading technology to reduce humidity and further increase in home comfortCurrent production refrigerant solutions ensuring longer life and extended availability of refrigerantLonger warranty periods for even greater peace of mindQuieter operation for a more peaceful indoor environmentOzone friendly refrigerant for lower impact on the environmentMatched coil solutions for increased reliability and guaranteed cooling and heating performanceIs it legal to install Dry Charge units?mini split unit wiringThere are no Federal laws or legal restriction on the installation of R-22 or Dry Charge Equipment, as long as it is as a repair for an existing system.ac unit not cooling one room

Do new dry charge air conditioning systems have a normal warranty? < Previous January 08, 2013Next > One of the hottest discussions (pardon the pun) within the air conditioning and heating industry is the difference between two refrigerants – R-22 and R-410A. do ac units use a lot of electricityAs a homeowner considering a purchase, it’s important that you understand the difference so you can make the best decision for your system. We’ve outlined below the main differences and why they matter. Often referred to by a brand name like Freon® As of 2010, R-22 was discontinued for use in new air conditioning systems R-22 is a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) which contributes to ozone depletion Often referred to by a brand name like Puron® Has been approved for use in new residential air conditioners Is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) which does not contribute to ozone depletion

Will become the new standard for U.S. residential air conditioning systems in 2015 Newer air conditioning models are designed to be used with R-410A for reliable and more efficient operation. Because R-410A can absorb and release more heat than R-22, your air conditioning compressor can run cooler, reducing the risk of compressor burnout due to overheating. R-410A also functions at a higher pressure than R-22, so new compressors are built to withstand greater stresses, reducing the chance for cracking. If you were to put R-410A refrigerant into a system designed for R-22, the pressure would be too much and the unit would break. All air conditioners use an oil to keep the compressor lubricated during operation. R-22 air conditioners use mineral oil and R-410A systems use synthetic oil. The synthetic oil is generally more soluble with R-410A than mineral oil is with R-22. This means the R-410A system operates more efficiently reducing wear and tear on the compressor. While R-22 was outlawed in 2010 for use in new units, some companies are taking advantage of the law by producing what’s known as ‘dry charge’ units.