FAQs on Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Refrigerants
Several types of appliances commonly found in homes rely on the use of a liquid referred to as a refrigerant for proper operation. One type refrigerant, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC-22), is commonly referred to as R-22 (or by the brand name Freon®). R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential air-conditioning and heat pump systems for many years. Unfortunately for the environment, releases of R-22 into the atmosphere from leaks or improper handling have been found to contribute to ozone depletion and greenhouse warming.
Because of these concerns, the governments of Canada and the United States, along with representatives of other countries, have signed an agreement to phaseout the production and use of HCFC. The phaseout timetable, which actually began over 10 years ago, takes place in stages, with a critical milestone coming at the beginning of 2010. After January 1, 2010, manufacturers can no longer produce or import residential air conditioning equipment that uses an HCFC refrigerant such as R-22.
As a result of this transition from the production of equipment using HCFC to equipment that utilizes other types of refrigerants, many homeowners are getting misinformation from salesman, contractors and others about their air conditioners and heat pumps future replacement or servicing needs and options. Manufacturers are already making equipment that uses less environmentally sensitive refrigerants, and replacement of an older HCFC system may be a feasible option in any particular situation; however, homeowners should be aware that the continued servicing of existing units will still be possible in many cases for many more years.
The following Questions and Answers regarding refrigerants and the phaseout process are based on information supplied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Details about the phaseout timetable, the future availability of R-22, and the new refrigerants that are replacing R-22 are addressed with the intent of assisting homeowners in clarifying their options when deciding whether to purchase a new air conditioning or heat pump system, or have an existing system repaired.
How can I find out if my air conditioning system contains R-22?
Most air conditioners have a nameplate on the unit that identifies the refrigerant it contains and other information, such as safety certifications and electrical ratings. For a central air conditioner, the nameplate is usually on the outdoor condensing unit. If a nameplate is not provided, there are several other ways that you may be able to obtain the information. You could check your owner's manual for the information. The person/company that sold or services your air conditioner would likely know what refrigerant it uses. Or, if you know the manufacturer and model number, you could call the manufacturer or check its web site.
Am I allowed to purchase a new home air conditioner that contains R-22?
Yes, air-conditioning systems that use R-22 currently are still available for purchase. Consumers may purchase a system that contains R-22, but should be aware that supplies of R-22 will be more limited after 2010. Also, as R- 22 is gradually phased out, non-ozone-depleting alternative refrigerants are being introduced and will become more common. In addition to the refrigerant type, you should consider energy efficiency, along with performance, reliability, and cost in deciding which type of air conditioner to purchase.
Will I be required to stop using R-22 in my home air conditioner or other equipment?
No, you will not be required to stop using R-22 and you will not be required to replace existing equipment just to switch to a new refrigerant. The lengthy phaseout period provides time to switch to ozone-friendly refrigerants when you normally would replace your air conditioner or other equipment (typically by 10-15 years of age). This transition is important because supplies of R-22 will be more limited after 2010, which will likely cause the price of R-22 to increase. Starting in 2020, new R-22 will no longer be produced, so consumers will need to rely solely on recycled or stockpiled quantities to service any systems still operating after that date.
Are alternatives to R-22 available?
Yes, alternative refrigerants that do not harm the ozone layer are available and widely used in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry today. There are a number of acceptable alternatives to R-22 that do not deplete the ozone layer, although some still contribute to greenhouse gases. The most commonly used new refrigerant is R- 410A, a hydrofluorocarbon HFC refrigerant blend. Some common trade names for R-410A include GENETRON AZ- 20®, SUVA 410A®, and Puron®. There are other acceptable substitutes for residential air conditioning and heat pump systems and research on other options, including new refrigerants that can be used effectively in existing R-22 equipment, continue.
What if I own an air conditioner that needs R-22 added after 2010?
You may continue to have your equipment containing R-22 serviced after 2010, although only a limited amount of new R-22 will be manufactured (to meet the servicing needs of equipment manufactured on or before December 31, 2009). After 2020, production of R-22 will be prohibited and only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available for servicing existing equipment. So, in the future, R-22 supplies will be more limited and costs may rise.
Should I purchase a new air-conditioning system or heat pump with R-22 or with an alternative, ozone- friendly refrigerant?
When deciding to purchase new equipment, you need to consider several key factors, such as energy efficiency, performance, reliability, cost, and the ozone-friendly options that are available. After 2020, the servicing of R- 22-based systems will rely on recycled or stockpiled refrigerants. For the next 10 to 15 years, R-22 should continue to be available for all systems that require it for servicing. You should be aware that the price of R-22 might increase as supplies decrease beginning in 2010. EPA's website provides a comprehensive overview of what consumers should know about refrigerants when purchasing an A/C system or heat pump.
I want to purchase a system that uses alternative refrigerants. How should I select an appropriate dealer and contractor?
Consumers should be aware that salesmen and technicians that sell or work on equipment that use the new refrigerants should be trained in installation and service techniques required for use of that refrigerant. The transition away from ozone-depleting R-22 to systems that rely on replacement refrigerants like R-410A has required the redesign of heat pump and air-conditioning systems. New systems incorporate compressors and other components specifically designed to use specific alternative refrigerants. With these significant product and production process changes, testing and training has also changed.
How important is it to buy a new air-conditioning system that is more efficient? Does energy efficiency depend on what type of refrigerant is used?
Purchasing an energy-efficient system allows a homeowner to save on energy costs and protect the environment. Even if your air conditioner is only ten years old, you may save significantly on your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Products with an Energy Star® label can save you 10% to 40% on heating and cooling bills every year. Energy Star® qualified systems are available for both R-22 (where still available) and R-410A systems.
For central air conditioners and air-to-air heat pumps, efficiency is measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the ratio, the more efficient the equipment, and equipment that displays the Energy Star® label must have a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio that is significantly higher than the minimum required by law (currently this is SEER 13).
You should consider energy efficiency, along with performance, reliability, and cost, in making your decision. And don't forget that when purchasing a new system, you can also speed the transition away from ozone-depleting R-22 by choosing a system that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants.
I own an air-conditioning unit that contains R-22 and I want to minimize its impacts on the ozone layer. What can I do?
If you have equipment that contains R-22, the most important thing you can do is to maintain your unit properly. Major leaks rarely develop in units that are properly installed and maintained; however, appropriate servicing is necessary to minimize potential environmental damage and maintenance costs. For more information on what regular service your unit requires, please consult your owner's manual or contact the company that sold or services your unit.
It is important to select a reliable service contractor. Technicians should be certified to service equipment containing refrigerants. It is illegal to intentionally vent (release) any refrigerant when making repairs. Therefore, technicians are required to use refrigerant recovery equipment during service. Also, request that service technicians locate and repair leaks instead of "topping off" leaking systems. This will help ensure that your system operates at its optimal level, which reduces emissions of refrigerant and saves you money by reducing your household energy use and avoiding additional repairs in the future.
How should I dispose of a residential appliance that contains R-22?
There are a number of options for disposing of appliances. If you purchase a new appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer, your retailer will likely remove the old one. Landfills, scrap yards, and metal recyclers may not accept appliances if they still contain refrigerant, however, they are still responsible for removing or verifying removal of refrigerant before they take custody.
In some jurisdictions, the appliance owner may have to pay for recovery of the refrigerant prior to disposal, or deliver the used appliance to the scrap yard or landfill. In such instances, the appliance cannot be altered in a way that will release refrigerant into the atmosphere. For example, appliance owners should not cut refrigerant lines or remove compressors in order to have their appliances accepted by a disposal facility. Ozone-depleting refrigerants in appliances must be removed properly so they will not harm the environment. Please contact your local environmental protection agency, public works or landfill to check on appliance disposal options.
For more information on this topic, visit the EPA website or the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada website. If there are questions about your particular system and the replacement or repair options available, be sure to obtain quotes from several qualified contractors.
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