You probably have R-22 Freon in your air conditioning system, and maybe even in some of your other small appliances.

What you are probably not aware of is how much it costs, and how costs will continue to rise significantly due to EPA regulations.

This has an impact on your current a/c system, as well as any future system purchases. But don’t worry; you have nothing to fear. With a bit of knowledge and planning, we at Grace Energy can help you get through this.

What is R-22? Technically HCFC-22, frequently called Freon, (chlorodiflouromethane or hydrochloroflourocarbon), is a man-made chemical compound used most frequently for residential and commercial air conditioning applications.

This refrigerant has actually replaced previous R-11 and R-12 Freons, because R-22 has a much lower ozone depletion potential. However, even R-22’s lower ozone depletion levels are no longer acceptable.

The new EPA standard requires zero ozone depletion. The industry has prepared by producing new refrigerants that are now in use (R-410A or Puron), with R-22 being completely phased out by 2020.

Total phase out will be progressive, and has led to R-22 becoming scarce and very expensive (doubling in price this January). Since the industry has prepared, so should you!

Prepare as a homeowner by having your system serviced, especially if you’ve had Freon leaks in the past.

Yes, those repairs do have an initial cost, but will be offset by how expensive R-22 is becoming, and what those repairs will cost in the future.

One helpful hint for repairing leaks is to have your HVAC contractor reclaim and reuse the Freon, though there are some limitations to doing this. However, you must be aware of older systems (eight-plus years) that are severely inefficient.

While it may seem expensive to replace, you must consider how much it affects your utility bills. Most people are surprised by how much they save with a newer, more efficient system.

Your greatest savings come from sealing and insulating your home, which leads to smaller systems with less use.

One last note about all Freons: All Freons, even new ones, are still greenhouse gases and as such should be treated with care to lessen the impact to our environment.

For more technical information, check out EPA’s Web site, or if you have questions about your system and its future, give us a call at Grace Energy — your local Energy Specialist!
—Submitted by Jorge Hernandez, Grace Energy Technician, NATE & BPI certified