If it's been a while since you replaced your air conditioning system, your system may be out of compliance when the new year rolls around. From January 1, 2020, the air conditioning refrigerant R22 will be banned from entering the United States. After this date, it will be illegal to manufacture or import Chlorodifluoromethane R-22 (often represented by its trade name Freon). This means that it will be difficult to obtain because the remaining supply is low and the cost is high.

　　refrigerant pressure gauge

　　When your R22 supply runs out, your only recourse is to replace or retrofit your system with a new R410A refrigerant instead. You can still use an R22 air conditioning system, but once the refrigerant levels drop to the point where the system no longer produces cold air, you will most likely need to replace the system. Read on to learn more.

　　impact on the environment

　　Air conditioning systems require refrigerants to produce cool air. In the past few years, Chlorodifluoromethane R-22 has been phased out due to its high ozone depletion potential and high global warming potential. A new, more environmentally friendly refrigerant has been developed. R410A refrigerant is completely chlorine-free. To help homeowners make the transition, for the past five years or more, manufacturers have been producing only air conditioners that use R410A refrigerants. In addition to making it illegal to manufacture or sell Chlorodifluoromethane R-22, after January 1, 2020, it will also be illegal to manufacture devices that use R22.

　　Air Conditioning System Replacement

　　You can still run your R22 air conditioning system after January 1, 2020, but once the refrigerant runs out and there is nothing left in the system to produce cold air, you will need to replace your system. You can call your heating and cooling company to measure your R22 levels. If your Chlorodifluoromethane R-22 levels are good, it may take a year or two to replace your system, depending on how much you use your air conditioner. This will give you time to start saving for a new system.