If you have an older air conditioner in your Kansas City area home, it’s possible that you have added refrigerant every year for the last few years. Up until now, that cost has been relatively reasonable.
But in 2017, the cost of that R-22 refrigerant has gone through the roof! Commonly called Freon™, this refrigerant has been used for years. But its days are numbered.
Why Is R-22 Being Phased Out For Air Conditioners?
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has mandated that this refrigerant be phased out because of environmental concerns. Within the R-22 refrigerant is a compound (chlorine) that is considered ozone-depleting. As a part of The Clean Air Act, this refrigerant is considered dangerous to the ozone layer and needs to be removed from production.
So What Should You Expect For Your Air Conditioner?
This refrigerant will not be manufactured after 2020. Because of this timeline, supplies have started to be restricted for heating and cooling companies. After 2020, the only R-22 available will be recycled or reclaimed, which will drive the cost up even more.
At this point, if your air conditioner is over 15 years old, it’s time to seriously think about replacing that unit. Especially if you know it has a leak and has been filled each year with R-22. Newer air conditioners use a different refrigerant that is more friendly to our environment.
City Wide Heating and Cooling can install the proper air conditioners in Overland Park, Kansas City, and everywhere in between. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your free estimate for a new air conditioning system.