R-22 Refrigerant Answers From The AC ExpertsA few years ago we announced that the government was changing their refrigerant standards for residential central air conditioners. In short, they required that the most common refrigerant, R-22 (which also happens to be harmful to the environment) be phased out and eliminated from use by the year 2020. This regulation also required air conditioning manufacturers to cease the shipment of R-22 refrigerant with any newly-produced air conditioning systems. When you buy a new air conditioner these days it will most likely contain the more environmentally-friendly R-410A refrigerant or a legal alternative. Although, some manufacturers have made available new ACs called ‘dry charge’ systems, designed for R-22 refrigerant, but instead of shipping with the refrigerant inside, the refrigerant is added on-site by the contractor during installation.The new refrigerant policies have put many homeowners and HVAC contractors alike in a unique predicament.

The situation raises significant questions about the best solution when an AC problem or AC repair is needed: should the homeowner pay the high price to recharge their system with R-22 refrigerant, or attempt to use an alternate refrigerant, or buy a new air conditioner altogether? When buying a new air conditioning system, should the homeowner buy a new R-410A refrigerant system or risk buying a "dry-charge" system? The latter is often the lower-cost solution in the short term, but longer-term, repercussions of that choice are becoming clearer; no new R-22 refrigerant will be produced after the year 2019… which as we get closer to that date, will continue to cause the cost of R-22 to exponentially skyrocket. Still, that deadline is several years away, and the average life-span of many home air conditioners is 8-15 years.We always make recommendations for a homeowner based on their specific situation, since every home, homeowner and their family is very different. To help clearly consider the options we’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions regarding these issues.

We hope these FAQs will help you understand fully how the R-22 phase-out will affect your decision-making, and help you ensure your HVAC contractor is really providing recommendations that are truly in your best interest. For more information or specific questions on your home, call us at and we will be happy to schedule a free in-home consultation for you.fan coil unit installationHow do I know if my current air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant?components of central air conditioning unitWhy does it cost so much more to service my home’s air conditioner now?ceiling fan ac vs dcWhy is the R-22 refrigerant being phased out of production?What is the time frame for the R-22 phase-out and how much longer will R-22 be available for my AC?

Do homeowners have to stop using air conditioners that operate with R-22 Refrigerant?Are there approved replacements for R-22 that are more cost effective for needed repairs?Will using R-22 alternative products void the manufacturer’s warranty on the air conditioner?What options are available to homeowners who need service on an air conditioner that operates with R-22?If I choose to replace my outdoor A/C or heat pump unit with a new unit that uses the more environmentally friendly R410A, do I also have to replace the indoor unit?Should I buy a new “Dry Charge” air conditioning system?Why would I buy a R-410A refrigerant system?Greater energy efficiency for reduced cost of comfortLeading technology to reduce humidity and further increase in home comfortCurrent production refrigerant solutions ensuring longer life and extended availability of refrigerantLonger warranty periods for even greater peace of mindQuieter operation for a more peaceful indoor environmentOzone friendly refrigerant for lower impact on the environmentMatched coil solutions for increased reliability and guaranteed cooling and heating performanceIs it legal to install Dry Charge units?

There are no Federal laws or legal restriction on the installation of R-22 or Dry Charge Equipment, as long as it is as a repair for an existing system.Do new dry charge air conditioning systems have a normal warranty? < Previous January 08, 2013Next >How do you add Freon to a window air conditioner? Adding Freon to a window air conditioner involves cleaning the air conditioner, attaching a new Freon container and allowing it to intake new Freon until the container is drained. While this task is usually performed by a refrigeration mechanic, a lay person can complete it by purchasing a Freon kit. How do you put Freon into an air conditioner? How do I know if my air conditioner needs Freon? How much Freon does a five-ton unit hold? Gloves and protective eye wear should be worn when adding Freon to an air conditioner. Refer to the air conditioning unit's user’s manual to ensure that the right type of coolant is used. After taking the air conditioner out of the window, lay it on a level surface near running water.

Clear any dust or dirt from the coils, the louvers or shutters and the air filter. Give these parts time to dry before putting the unit back in place. Do not switch on the power. Upon finding the air conditioner's compressor, remove both valves from the Freon kit. Follow the kit's instructions as to how to attach these valves to the lines of the compressor, and take out the Freon container. Attach it to the valves, turn the unit on, and set the power to the highest level. This setting allows the air conditioner to draw the Freon into its coils. Observe the unit for cooling temperatures. Once all of the Freon is drained from the container, turn the air conditioner off, unplug it, and remove the Freon container. After closing off the compressor's main lines, it is safe to resume use of the unit. How much Freon does my truck need? Most vehicles need 25 to 35 pounds per square inch of Freon on the low side if the vehicle is running with the air conditioner on its coldest setting and f...