Is the air conditioning system in your home obsolete? Older units that use R-22 refrigerant will be because R-22 is now illegal to produce or import into the United States. So, if R-22 is used in your system and a refrigerant charge is required, prepare to pay exorbitant r22 refrigerant prices. Therefore, it is vital to learn more about the R-22 refrigerant phase-out. If you are unsure what type of coolant your air conditioner uses, then keep reading to find out more.
Of course, it is never recommended to use air conditioning equipment that is old and outdated. Why would anyone use an old air conditioner that consumes way more energy, require expensive repairs, and performs poorly?
Let’s not forget that systems that have an R-22 refrigerant leak are very costly to repair from now on. This inevitably leads consumers to decide whether they should repair or replace an R-22 cooling system that has a coolant leak.
R22 refrigerant has become extremely costly because of the government phaseout which has affected the supply and demand of the coolant. It’s important to consider that a recharge may end up costing about half the cost of a new air-conditioning system! Replacing the unit will end up saving you money in the long run.
Determine Your Cooling Options In New Jersey
Table of Contents
- 1 How To Know If Your Air Conditioner Uses R22 Refrigerant In New Jersey
- 1.1 1. Check the Manufacture Date On Your Air Conditioning Unit
- 1.2 2. Check the Installation Date of Your Air Conditioner
- 1.3 3. Check The Manufacturer’s Specifications Of Your Cooling Equipment
- 1.4 4. Contact Your Air Conditioner’s Manufacturer
- 1.5 5. Talk To Your Local HVAC Contractor
- 1.6 Phasing Out R22 Refrigerant – Everything You Need To Know
- 1.7 What Can New Jersey Homeowners Do?
- 1.8 Conclusion
Begin by determining the type of refrigerant used in your air conditioning system. If the unit was made in 2010 or later, some refrigerant leak repair options are available. This is because manufacturers incorporated Puron, or R-410a as an alternative after this date. However, units manufactured prior to this year typically use the now illegal refrigerant. Therefore, it is essential for you to learn the type of refrigerant used in your AC unit.
It may be that your old air conditioner is working correctly, but you’ll still need to prepare for the inevitable. As of January 1, 2020, new supplies of R22 refrigerant were no longer available. As such, it would be in your best interest to prepare for a replacement unit soon.
Below are some methods for consumers to use to figure out the refrigerant type used by their air-conditioning system. Additionally, relevant information regarding the phaseout of R-22 refrigerant will also be discussed.
How To Know If Your Air Conditioner Uses R22 Refrigerant In New Jersey
1. Check the Manufacture Date On Your Air Conditioning Unit
Of all the ways to determine whether your air conditioning unit utilizes R-22 refrigerant, the easiest way is to check is to find the date of manufacture. The data plate located on the condenser unit of the air conditioner will provide all the information you need. Units manufactured before 1996 will be using R-22 refrigerant. However, units manufactured between the years 1996 and 2009 may be using R-22 or possibly Puron (R-410a), so more research will be required. For the most part, air-conditioning units manufactured from 2010 onward will utilize the R-410a refrigerant.
2. Check the Installation Date of Your Air Conditioner
The installation date of your air conditioning unit will also help determine the refrigerant used by the system. Following the EPA regulations on phasing out R22 refrigerant, no air conditioning unit using R-22 could be installed from 2010 and on, so you are likely safe.
3. Check The Manufacturer’s Specifications Of Your Cooling Equipment
Manufacturers typically indicate what type of refrigerant is required to run an air conditioning unit. This information can be found on the nameplate of the condenser unit. So, a simple check of the nameplate would be in order to discover what type of refrigerant your system uses. You can also check for certification stickers that indicate that a particular unit is free of R-22. Ensure to look for these different types of clues to determine if your unit works with R22.
4. Contact Your Air Conditioner’s Manufacturer
If the information is unclear or you cannot locate the nameplate, simply contact the manufacturer of your unit. A customer service representative will gladly tell you what type of refrigerant your unit uses. However, in order to do so, you will have to provide some important information about the unit, such as its make and model.
5. Talk To Your Local HVAC Contractor
Have your air conditioner tuned up every year to ensure good functionality. Whenever your service provider comes for an appointment, use this time to ask them about the refrigerant your air conditioning system uses.
Technicians that are certified can inspect the unit properly and determine what refrigerant it uses. They are familiar with the various makes and models of units that run on R-22 refrigerant.
Be sure to call Skylands Energy Service today to schedule a free, in-home consultation.
Phasing Out R22 Refrigerant – Everything You Need To Know
Through the years, R22 refrigerant has been phased out gradually by the EPA. It is still legal and available to use, but it is now quite costly because of supply and demand. However, manufacturers are no longer allowed to manufacture or import R22 so there is a shortage of the substance. As such, the prices have more than doubled as of late. Consider that a recharge of a unit medium in size may end up costing as much as half the price of a brand-new air conditioner that is so much more energy-efficient.
What Can New Jersey Homeowners Do?
In truth, the best option is to replace an air conditioning unit that uses R 22. To begin with, only the older units run on this soon-to-be-obsolete coolant. That said, it’s essential to understand those old units are not efficient, frequently break down, and truthfully, fail to perform properly, so it’s in your best interest to replace the old unit with a new one.
If there is a leak to deal with, the cost to recharge the unit will be unbelievably high. So take the right steps and replace the old unit with a highly efficient one that will save you money. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but also on repair costs. A competent and reputable HVAC contractor can help you with everything involved in replacing the air conditioning unit.
What’s more, is that reputable HVAC companies provide consumers financing if they have good credit. So, though it wasn’t in your plans to purchase a new unit and pay for an installation, a company that offers convenient payment plans can help you with the purchase.
Conclusion
For affordable HVAC services, either for commercial or residential properties in your area, contact Skylands Energy Service, a trusted and reputable HVAC service provider. We always provide exceptional services for our customers’ heating and cooling needs. From HVAC installations to repairs and tune-ups, we are always there for you.
At Skylands Energy Service we aim to please our customers and outshine our competition ensuring service with a smile and affordable prices that are welcomed by our customers.
Contact Skylands Energy Service to learn more about our services and systems. One call and will schedule a convenient appointment to meet with one of our representatives for a free no-pressure consultation. Whatever your concerns for your heating and cooling solutions, will be happy to discuss them with you. So hurry and call us now!
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