Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, especially during the hot summer months. One aspect of your system you might not give much thought to is the type of refrigerant it uses. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned R22 refrigerant. So what does that mean for you if your system uses R22?

What is refrigerant and how does it work?

Without refrigerant, your air conditioner could not do its job. Refrigerant, also known as freon, is the fluid that flows through your system’s coils. With help from your system’s compressor, condenser, and evaporator, pressure is applied to the refrigerant causing it to change from liquid to gas. This change allows the refrigerant in the system to pull heat out of your home & bring cool air back into your home.

There are several types of refrigerant, but one of the most common is R22. As of January 1, 2020, the EPA implemented a ban on R22 meaning it can no longer be manufactured or imported in the United States.

What if your system uses R22?

If you’re not sure what type of refrigerant your system uses, our qualified technicians are available to inspect your system. Most AC units manufactured and installed before 2010 use R22. If your current unit uses R22, here are your options:

Repair – While this might seem like the easiest option, it could end up costing you in the long run. R22 is still available, but supplies are limited. As supplies shrink, prices will increase. For systems that still use R22, simple repairs could leave you with a hefty refrigerant bill.
Replace – Instead of putting money into your existing equipment, it might be cheaper in the long run to replace your system. A brand new system means you will not have to worry about dwindling R22 supplies. You will also enjoy other benefits such as increased efficiency, lower energy costs, and peace of mind.

If you are looking for options for your current R22 system, our technicians can help decide if a complete replacement is right for you. At Tiger, we offer several options to replace your home’s existing air conditioning equipment with new high efficiency units that use more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Give us a call or schedule service online today.