There is a good chance you've probably heard about the new alternative refrigerants being used in today's Air Conditioning Systems. These new products have fewer Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs, which are chemicals that are mainly used as refrigerants. Unfortunately releases of HCFCs deplete the Earths protective ozone layer.  R-22 is a HCFC refrigerant that is often used in air conditioning equipment. To protect the Earth’s protective ozone layer, the United States is phasing out R-22, along with other chemicals.

             As the United States phases out refrigerant R-22, you will need to make informed choices when servicing, repairing your air conditioning unit or when purchasing a new unit. The EPA has not banned the use or sale of equipment that contains R-22. However, as a homeowner, you need to consider and balance several key factors in your decision to purchase a new unit, such as energy efficiency, performance, reliability, and cost. Realizing that supplies of R-22 will become more limited and that the price will continue to increase should also be factors in your decision.

             The leading choice to replace R-22 in air conditioning is R-410A, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant with zero ozone depletion and high energy efficiency. Plus,  it’s been specifically designed for new systems and is far less likely to break down, under even the harshest conditions. For example, R-410A systems offer up to a 5% percent higher Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and better dehumidification than older R-22 systems.

 

R-22 Phase-out schedule:

**Source: http://www.epa.gov