Why R-22 was phased out of production for air conditioning
If you’ve been in the market for a new air conditioning unit or have recently had your current one serviced, you may have heard about the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant. But why was R-22 phased out of production for air conditioning? Let’s dive into the details.
1. Environmental Impact: R-22, also known as Freon, is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant that has been found to contribute to ozone depletion and have negative impacts on the environment. As a result, the production and import of R-22 has been gradually phased out to protect the environment due to the HCFC regulations. As of January 1, 2020, the final phase out of R-22 was completed and the equipment is no longer produced or imported.
2. International Agreements: The phase-out of R-22 was driven by international agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol. This global treaty aimed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of substances that deplete it. R-22 was one of the substances identified as harmful and targeted for elimination.
3. Energy Efficiency: Another reason for the phase-out was the desire to improve energy efficiency in air conditioning systems. Newer refrigerants, such as R-410A, are more efficient and can help reduce energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills for consumers.
4. Availability and Cost: As the production of R-22 has been phased out, the only R-22 left is reclaimed refrigerant, the cost of this is astronomical as it is no longer produced. If your R-22 A/C requires refrigerant, the cost of topping up the refrigerant (if its available) is a half the cost of a new A/C unit. New A/C units use R410A refrigerant that is widely available and much more efficient than R-22.
In conclusion, the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant for air conditioning was driven by its harmful environmental impact, international agreements and the push for energy efficient cooling systems. It’s important to be aware of the changes if you currently have an R-22 unit so you can prepare for replacement if your unit ever does require a repair.
