AC/ Air Conditioner

 

As of January 1, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned R-22.  All production and importation of R-22 is banned from the United States.

According to the EPA, “Because R-22 depletes the ozone layer, production and import was further limited in 2010. In 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported. After 2020, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available.”

R-22 will be completely banned January 1, 2030.

What is R-22?

R-22 is a refrigerant that is used in air-conditioning equipment. The release of this chemical has been shown to deplete the Earth’s protective ozone layer.  Thus, the EPA has banned production of this refrigerant.

What the R-22 Ban Means to You

Owners with an R-22 System may continue to use their equipment.  However, as R-22 is now banned, any repairs to a unit that requires adding R-22 refrigerant to the system will no longer be possible.  Any R-22 that was previously produced and still in stock can be used.  It is also important to keep in mind that as the stock of R-22 shrinks, the price for R-22 will increase.

While most repairs tend to be electrical in nature any repairs that require R-22 when there is none left to use will need to replace their unit.  Additionally, most maintenance checks do require a refrigerant recharge.

R-22 Units and Replacement Options

Customers with an R-22 system can continue to use the system and get as much life out of the unit as possible.  However, if a repair is needed it could mean an emergency system replacement, which is typically more costly than a planned HVAC system update.

Some R-22 units may be converted, however most conversions are not possible, and a conversion only buys you a bit more time with the unit.  The price of conversion is not worth it, and a new unit is recommended.

The best option for customers with older units that require R-22 refrigerant is to discuss a full system replacement.

Confused?

If you are unsure whether your unit uses R-22 or have any questions regarding your unit, please contact us and one of our HVAC professionals can answer any questions and walk you through any issues you may have.

 

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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