Refrigerant simply flows through a continuous series of coils
If you rely on a heating or cooling system that uses R22 refrigerant, an ozone depleting substance, you may be in for a surprise during your next service visit. As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. If your AC or heat pump systems need a repair that involves refrigerant, you may have to decide between a hefty refrigerant bill and a system replacement. Except for continuing service needs of existing equipment, the ban on production and import of R22 is active. The EPA also banned the manufacture and installation of new R22 AC or heat pump systems. As a result, manufacturers of AC and heat pump equipment redesigned their systems to accommodate R410A. If your AC or heat pump was built and installed before January 1, 2012, there’s a good chance that it used R22 refrigerant. Your equipment may have a label on it that identifies the type of refrigerant used. Due to the shrinking supply of R22 refrigerant, it is becoming more expensive. As the supply becomes limited, you may end up paying more for a repair that requires R22 refrigerant than a down payment on a new heat pump or AC system. Just remember that ACs and heat pumps are not designed to consume refrigerant. Refrigerant simply flows through a continuous series of coils. If your technician suspects a leak, they should locate and repair the refrigerant leak instead of simply topping off a leaking system. When it comes time to purchase a new system to replace your old system, you will benefit much more from using R410A refrigerant and save money as well since the supply of it is much more than the supply of R22 refrigerant.