Beginning January 1, 2010, residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers will have to cease production of equipment that runs on R22 freon refrigerant as part of an international agreement signed by the United States.
In 1986, a group of nations signed the Montreal Protocol to gradually phase out CFCs (Chloroflorocarbons) because of their damage to the environment and the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Initially, R12 freon, the refrigerant that was previously used in automobile air conditioning systems, was phased out. The continued phase out will now begin to affect residential HVAC units starting in a few weeks.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT HOMEOWNERS?
Homeowners who have HVAC units that run on R22 freon may not be able to find replacement units after January 1, 2010. However, repair and replacement parts for the units may continue to be available for a long time. The person I refer my clients to for HVAC repair, Tim Bob (yes, that's his last name) recently mentioned that many of these units are becoming harder to find even at this point. Tim recommends that all homeowners who may be having issues with their HVAC units attempt to have them serviced and/or repaired as soon as possible. Tim Bob's number is 214-762-2598 and he provides air conditioning and heating sales and service to the majority of the D/FW area.
HVAC units consist of several components. The two main components are the evaporator coil (inside unit) and the compressor (outside unit). In situations where either the inside or outside unit has failed completely and must be totally replaced, the other unit may be retrofitted to run in compliance with the new requirements in many cases.
What about homeowners who have units that run on R22? Will they have to upgrade them if they need to have freon added?
NO because the current phase out only requires companies to cease manufacture of R22 equipment. The law does not eliminate the manufacture of R22 freon until the year 2020, so current equipment that runs on R22 can still be serviced with new freon. However, if the unit fails completely and must be entirely replaced, the new unit will have to be one that does not run on R22.
Call Tim Bob today for your heating and air conditioning (HVAC) needs in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. His number is 214-762-2598.
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