This whole R-22 refrigerant story is really getting crazy. Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric wants to make sure it doesn’t come back to ‘bite you’ financially or otherwise.
R-22 refrigerant is a group of products developed by R-22 refrigerant in the late 1920’s. It fueled the explosion of refrigeration and air conditioners. But warnings have been out there since the 1970’s. R22 damages the environment. Starting in 2020, it will no longer be manufactured or imported in the U.S. Already the R-22 price is skyrocketing, and it’s expected to keep going up.
The situation is getting so bad that thieves recently stole more than $20,000 worth of R-22 refrigerant from a supply company in Tennessee.
When you put everything together, you as a homeowner have a tough decision to make. Is it wise to continue repairing and maintaining your old AC unit that uses R-22?
If your air conditioner currently needs to have R-22 added or has a history of leaks, it’s going to get more and more expensive. Just as importantly, leaking R-22 refrigerant damages the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
Our experience is a refrigerant leak can often be a sign of more serious problems just ahead. Now is the time to talk with the Armstrong professionals about whether it makes more sense to invest in R-22 replacement with a new AC system.
These are some factors pointing toward air conditioner replacement:
- Frequent & costly repairs
- Energy bills rising (new systems can save 30% or more)
- House is too hot
The phase-out also led to a scary warning from the Environmental Protection Agency. Some unscrupulous people are trying to market something called R-22A as a cheaper replacement.
It’s not something Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric has heard of in our Lubbock, TX area, but you should still be aware. If anyone tries to sell you or convince you to use R-22A in your home air conditioner, you should report them immediately. It is illegal and dangerous.
R-22A is a propane-based product that can lead to explosions and fires. It is not approved for use in any home air conditioning system. In at least one case, a fire injured a technician who was working on a system.
The clock is counting down. The issue is not going away. Trust Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric to help you make an informed decision about dealing with the R-22 phase-out and find the best AC for your needs and budget. Our technicians are always here for your service, repair, and maintenance needs.
