What is R22 Refrigerant Used For?

If your air conditioner system was installed before or early 2010, it probably operates on R22 refrigerant. Nowadays, R22 is not used as it was phased out of production. It became so because it was found out that it plays a part in aggravating to ozone depletion and global warming. This post is intended to help you understand what is R22 refrigerant used for and how you can replace it.

What is R22 Refrigerant Used For?

Also known as hydrochlorofluorocarbon 22 (HCFC-22), its chemical name, R22 refrigerant has long been utilized in several appliances and

What is R22 Refrigerant Used For?

equipment, such as central air conditioners, car air conditioner systems, and heat pumps. The function of R22 is to absorb and remove heat from a vacuum. Therefore, if you are looking to have a cooler home, R22 was used to keep cool air running through the AC units. 

Unfortunately, R22 is a greenhouse gas contributing to ozone layer depletion and global warming in general. Remember that the ozone layer of the Earth is essential for absorbing destructive UV radiation, so identifying and getting rid of the use of greenhouse gas is the right thing to do to help protect the ozone. This is the reason the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was put in place and implemented the phase-out of R22 refrigerant.

When Will R22 be Completely Phased Out?

The R22 refrigerant phase out will be completed by January 1, 2020. In the US, new or imported R22 will not be permitted, and service technicians that will be repairing equipment will only be able to use recycled and reclaimed R22, as well as those that were previously manufactured.

What is a Safe Alternative to R22?

Air conditioners and other cooling equipment that is currently produced operate on hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants. Commonly used R22 alternative refrigerants including R410A, R134a, R407A, and R407C. They do the job of absorbing heat and cooling interior spaces effectively minus the negative effect on the environment. These refrigerants also have comparatively low Global Warming Potential (GWP).

What if My AC System Runs on R22?

If your air conditioning system was installed before or early 2010, it probably operates on R22. To be sure, you can check the type of refrigerant used in the nameplate of your unit.

If it is R22 but is still functioning normally, no need to replace your system. If, however, it requires servicing, there are a few options you can take:

• Continue using R22.

You can still use your existing AC system and have it serviced using R22; however, note that R22 supplies are more costly and limited. Also, remember two things: older air conditioners using R22 can possibly not run efficiently and R22 cost will continue to increase due to limited production.

• Change R22 to a drop-in refrigerant.

You can use a drop-in refrigerant in place of R22. While drop-in refrigerants are good for an instant, temporary repair and also function okay, one disadvantage is decreased performance and reliability. That is why drop-in refrigerants are not ideal for a long-term replacement.

• Get a new system.

Want to contribute in saving the environment while cutting down on repair costs? Consider installing a new AC system, especially if yours is already 10 years old and above. Newer systems operate on safer refrigerants like R410s and can be beneficial if you are planning to sell your home.

Unfortunately, R410 refrigerants are not compatible with R22 units. Do not make the mistake of using the incorrect refrigerant if you do not want to damage your system.

How to Properly Dispose of R22?

Choosing to replace your old AC system means you need to dispose of the old one. To dispose it properly, ask an EPA-certified technician to drain the refrigerant lines. Remember not to cut refrigerant lines or take out the compressor before draining as it is illegal under the Clean Air Act and Freon Law Change 2020.

Questions

Can you still use R22 refrigerant?

R22 manufacturing and import were prohibited in early 2010, but servicing existing systems is still allowed as long as there is an available R22

What is R22 Refrigerant Used For?

supply. After the phase-out completion in 2020, only recycled R22 refrigerants can be used for servicing.

Can you buy R22 after 2020?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the set date for the total phase-out of R22 in the US is January 1, 2020, so by that date, the production and import of the refrigerant will be prohibited and will become illegal.

Do I have to replace my R22 air conditioner?

Replacing your R22 air conditioner is recommended as early as possible to save money and time. That is because after January 1, 2020, your existing R22 system cannot be serviced if there is no available R22, so it will only be a matter of time before you are forced to change your system into a newer one.

Air-conditioning systems installed before 2010 most likely have R22 refrigerant. What is R22 refrigerant used for? R22 refrigerant is used in older air conditioner systems to absorb and remove heat in an enclosed space. However, R22 is a greenhouse gas, which means it contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer and global warming. The US EPA started to phase out R22 in 2010 and set the final phase-out date on January 1, 2010. So if you have an existing R22 AC system, it’s time you change it into a newer one. If you need more information on R22, our HVAC experts here at Worklock Air can answer your inquiries. 

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