....when choosing a new air conditioning system.
What most folks have now
Currently, the vast majority of residential central air conditioners use a refrigerant called R-22. Some systems already use the newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerant called R-410a, but R-22 far and away is the most common refrigerant in homes.
What’s happening in 2010
Starting in 2010, a little over two years from now R-22 systems will no longer be available. Also, starting in 2010 the manufacturing of new R-22 will start to be limited until the only R-22 available by 2020 will be recycled refrigerant. This will cause repairs involving refrigerant for R-22 systems to be more expensive.
What this means for those looking for a new system today
If you need a new air conditioning system, Integrity Air recommends that you get an R-410a system. In most cases the prices are comparable. Also if you have a mix-matched system, that is, a system where one section is much older than the other, you may want to replace the older section before 2010.
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In the HVAC industry, there seems to be some confusion on when the equipment manufacturers must stop using R-22 to charge the new systems beginning in 2010. The law actually states that equipment cannot be charged with R-22 that has been manufactured in 2010. However if gas has been purchased before the 2010 date, that pre existing gas can be used to charge new equipment until it runs out. Equipment manufacturers can also use recovered gas that has been reclaimed back to ARI-700 (as virgin) spec. The phase out date for this gas is 2020. Therefore equipment manufacturers who wish to continue to use R-22 to charge their systems in 2010 and beyond have the above 2 choices. Refrigerant manufacturers will also be able to make and supply R-22 in 2010, but only for existing equipment that needs to be serviced. Not for charging new equipment.
The following site will verify the above.
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/22phaseout.html
Regarding R-22 and global warming. R-410a is 2000 times higher in CO2 equivalent, while R-22 is 1700 times CO2 equivalent. 410a is HIGHER....why are they forcing it down our throats!!!!!!!
Greg Canniff
GC Refrigerant Supply, Inc
800-642-9777
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