Retrofit or Replace Your AC-the R22 Dilemma
If your home’s air conditioning unit is in need of repair or replacement, you may be spending some time today researching different types of air conditioning units, how some repair issues may be damaging the environment, and what you can do to improve the overall efficiency of your unit while decreasing its impact on the environment.
What R-22 Is
When researching air conditioner repair and replacement, it is tough not to come across the term R-22. R-22 is one of the most common refrigerants used in older versions of AC units, so if your present unit is older, it might have this refrigerant in it. This refrigerant is being discontinued, as per guidelines established under the Montreal Protocol and the Environmental Protection Agency. While it is not against the law to have this refrigerant in your AC unit, it is a identified contributor to the depletion of ozone and global warming.
What You Can Do
While R-22 is being phased out, it can nonetheless be used to support existing units until the year 2020. Following this date, recycled R-22 may be used to further service present units. So you are not being forced to replace an existing AC unit that uses R-22. Even so, you may be thinking about making a change to your existing system to make it more green. You can talk to your air conditioner repair specialist about retrofitting your current unit to accept R-410A. R-410A is a refrigerant that is authorized for use by the EPA, and it is found to be more eco friendly. While changing over solves the problem of R-22, you still have your previous air conditioning unit which won’t be any more efficient than it was. Compare the costs of retrofitting with the cost offset by the energy savings benefits of a new, high-efficiency system and you may just opt to replace your old air conditioner entirely with a new model that’s more effective and uses R-410A.
Finding a Reputable Repair Professional
How you choose to handle your air conditioner repair or replacement needs is up to you, provided it follows EPA guidelines and environmental protection laws. It should be noted that some AC repair professionals are licensed by the EPA for their responsible use of refrigerants as well as for taking steps to make sure refrigerants are recycled or disposed of in a method that promotes a cleaner environment. One of the important steps that you can take to make sure your air conditioner is repaired or replaced with minimal influence on the environment is to look for a repair and installation professional with this EPA certification.


