1611 Westlake

Background

R-22, or HCFC-22, is a refrigerant used in many air conditioning units. The manufacturing of R-22 results in a byproduct called HFC-23 which is a significant contributor to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are the greenhouse gases connected to ozone depletion and the current ozone hole over Antarctica, the rise in skin cancer and the rise in cataracts.

The ozone layer is responsible for protecting the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. With ozone depletion, more radiation hits the earth, and together with the greenhouse effect causes much of the earth’s global warming. Fortunately, the ozone layer can recover, and scientists believe that recovery can happen by 2075 with a global phase out of ozone-depleting gases.

In accordance with the Montreal Protocol and Clean Air Act, the U.S. will eliminate production of R-22 by the year 2020. To accomplish this, several years ago the government wrote and implemented a phase out schedule. Beginning January 1, 2010, the U.S. banned production and importation of R-22 for all new systems. No new systems using R-22 can be manufactured or imported.

What this Means for Homeowners

All new air conditioning equipment will use R-410A or another non-ozone depleting refrigerant. R-410A has many trade names (including Puron, Suva, Forane 410-A and Gentron AZ-20) but is the most common of these new refrigerants.

Current R-22 systems as of January 2010 will still be able to be used, serviced, and have repair parts made. R-22 will still be made and available for use in those systems. As of January 1, 2015, all sale or trade of R-22 for new systems will be banned. By January 1, 2020, all remaining production and importation of R-22 will be banned. Only recycled or reclaimed (recovered) R-22 will be allowed for current systems. Currently there is a record high demand for R-22 along with a record high cost of the materials needed to produce R-22 (Chlorine, Flourspar and Natural Gas). Prices are expected to continue to rise as R-22 supplies decrease.

Resources

The EPA has information available online with information and advice on servicing a current system or purchasing a new one. See their information sheet here, or see their Homeowner FAQ page here.

Pictured: Green features in 1611 Westlake.