EPA is currently phasing out the R-22 Refrigerants. In 2010, the production and import of R22 were prohibited by EPA, and by January 2020 they implemented the ban in (re)production of R22 refrigerants in the United States. R22 refrigerant is the device that cools your air in your AC. It has been banned because it has toxic chemicals that are harmful to the ozone layer. it has been determined to be detrimental to the earth's atmosphere. HVAC system that uses R22 refrigerant will have to rely on existing (recycled) R22 refrigerants cause producing new ones are already banned. The use of R22 refrigerant is not illegal but today they are no longer be allowed to manufacture R22. If your air conditioner is using R-22 refrigerant and the refrigerant leaks, you will have to rely on the existing stocks the company has or the recycled ones and that would lead to shrinking of supplies and will people will eventually have to replace their system. Shrinking of supplies will also likely result in either cost-prohibitive or downright impossible. Some contractors were told that the use of R22 refrigerant will be illegal next year (2021) and this causes panic to other people.
People can still use their R22 refrigerants now as long as it's working well, not leaking. They may use their existing system that uses R-22 refrigerant until it needs a repair. And it is not wise to install a system that uses R22 refrigerants now due to the phase-out. People may also consider replacing the system now and/or sign up for any retrofitting programs to avoid costly repairs or replacement in the future.
R-22 will be repaced by R-410A which is a more safe material and is the standard in AC systems. However, replacing your R-22 (Freon) with R-410A (Puron) may not be compatible with your existing unit. And changing refrigerants will cost you a penny and you might consider just replacing the system. That will be more worth the cost. You can talk it out to your HVAC company.
However, some people don't have any idea if they're using R22 refrigerants in their HVAC system. If your AC is 9 years old or older or you had it not later than 2010, you are most likely to be using R22 refrigerants. You can also check the sticker on the AC's manufacturer's data plate on the side of the condenser for outside units or air handler for inside units or you can ask your HVAC company about your HVAC system details and consider to ask them too about the phase-out and what programs they have in store for you.
There are only two options to choose from. The first is to still use your system with R22 refrigerant and wait for it to fail then REPAIR. Repairing it might be costly, though, because of the shrinking of the product. And the second option is to REPLACE the system now. Replacing now allows you time so you won't have to deal with the hot and/or cold temperature of your home when it starts leaking and will be able to set an appointment now to contractors. And also you can research more information about the product and the phase-out.
This is the information taught to us by our company regarding the phase-out of R22. I stand corrected if some of this phrases are not accurate.
