What The Phase-out Of R22 Freon Means For Tempe Heating Repair

By Vicki Diaz


In areas where winters are fairly moderate heat pumps can provide most of the heat needed to keep a home warm. Many of these older systems use R22 as a refrigerant medium to transfer heat into or out of the home. The Clean Air Act calls for elimination of 90% of this refrigerant over the next few months. This has some big implications on locals needing Tempe heating repair.

R22 is commonly know as Freon and works well at keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has the right physical properties to work in both the summer and winter seasons. However, when released into the atmosphere through leaks or other actions, it can further deplete the ozone layer of the earth. When this portion of the Clean Air Act takes effect, Freon will become even more expensive than it is currently. In some locations it may not be available at all. This will limit the options of individuals using older heat pump systems that need repairs.

Heat pumps designed for use with R22 are unable to use the newer replacement. These systems cannot be retrofitted to allow the older device to work with the replacement coolant. For most homeowners, the option will require replacement of the unit instead of repairing it.

Although consumers are often surprised by this law, it was put in place over 40 years ago when President Nixon signed the Clean Air Act in 1970. The EPA has responsibility for enforcing the law. While one may still add R22 to systems for a few months, the price will increase as the deadline approaches. In addition, the Act outlaws manufacture or R22 by the year 2020.

Homeowners who have faced the need for major repairs on their HVAC systems have found it often to be more cost effective to replace the entire unit rather than make these repairs. Replacement became even more viable with units between ten and twenty years of age. With this change in the law, they may want to look even closer at replacing units instead of having the heat pump fixed.

For best results, homeowners who need to replace their systems might consider upgrading to a unit offering higher efficiency. Although higher efficiency systems cost more initially, they provide savings for several years in the future. Many homeowners find the savings in energy each month will pay for the new unit by its midpoint of useful life.

There may be help in paying for the upgrade. Some power companies offset the cost of adding Energy Star systems. In addition, the government may offer help in the form of tax incentives. Homeowners may also qualify to finance the new system in many instances.

To learn more about the effects of these new regulations regarding Freon R22, contact a reputable Tempe Heating repair company. The representatives are familiar with deadlines, current costs of R22 and its availability as well as options for fixing or replaceing of heat pumps. Most also offer repairs and service for furnaces using natural gas, fuel oil, propane or electricity to warm the home during the cold winter.




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