R22-PHASEOUT
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FREON® PHASEOUT IN CALIFORNIA
If you landed on this page, you probably have questions about the FREON® Phaseout. News in California can be though to follow, and not every article is comprehensive. This page will answer all your questions about how the Freon phaseout impacts Los Angeles homeowners.
FREON® PHASEOUT: HIGHLIGHTS FOR LOS ANGELES
Here are the major things you need to know about this change to air conditioning:
- R-22 refrigerant cannot be produced after January 1, 2020
- Air conditioners with R22 will require more repairs as they near the end of their useful life
- Because supply is officially limited, A/C repairs will get more expensive
The last time air conditioners were manufactured with R22 was in 2010. Air conditioners normally last between 10-15 years. Homeowners that have kept up with HVAC maintenance will be the ones with ACs on the high end of that lifespan.
Repairs are normal as equipment ages. A common repair our techs handle all the time is a refrigerant leak. This is normal and happens more frequently as equipment gets older. That’s because the refrigerant which operates under high pressure wears down the inside of the refrigerant pipes.
So, LA homeowners that have R22-equipment will not only be dealing with more repairs, they will be dealing with higher prices too.
How do I know if the Freon® phaseout affects me?
The Freon® phaseout affects you if your air conditioner contains R-22 refrigerant, commonly referred to as Freon®. It’s easy to find out what kind of refrigerant your air conditioner uses. The refrigerant type is printed on a label that is attached to your air conditioner.
So, go on! Take a leisurely walk outside in the Los Angeles sunshine. Say hello to your air conditioner – we bet you haven’t talked in a while! Identify the data label that’s on the edge of the unit. Look for the refrigerant type. It will usually begin with an R, like R22 or R410A. Snap a photo of that data label for your records.
And while you’re out there, here’s an efficiency tip: see if your outdoor unit is obstructed with any leaves, landscaping, or other debris. If so, that may be a contributor to your high energy bills.
If you discover that you have R22 refrigerant, then read on. This government-imposed phaseout is something you really want to pay attention to!
If you find you have another refrigerant type like R410A, you’re in the clear for now. Here’s one way to celebrate: share this information with family and friends!
Can I wait to replace my AC?
As a homeowner, you’re faced with many home improvement decisions. Some of them are very expensive! Replacing your air conditioner is a personal decision that only you can make.
However, you should know that prices for new air conditioners are currently very reasonable. Plus, there are lots of specials and rebates to take advantage of to make them even more affordable.
Waiting until you’re desperate to replace your system – like when your A/C breaks down for good – could put you in a bad situation. You’ll need to make a quick decision on a new air conditioner, and you’ll be subject to whatever the pricing is at that time. And the wait for technicians to install it may be longer than usual if you try to replace it during busy seasons, like the summer.
Allow MightyServ to take a look at your system and evaluate its current performance. We can help you determine when the best time is to replace. Call us now to schedule: (818) 348-4768.
