What Florida Homeowners Need to Know About Refrigerant Changes
The HVAC industry is undergoing significant changes, and one that may affect you is the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant, often known as Freon, and the eventual shift away from R-410A. If your system was installed before 2010, it likely uses R-22, which has been replaced by more eco-friendly alternatives like R-410A. Now, R-410A is also being phased out to make way for next-generation refrigerants like R-32.
What’s Happening? – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated the phase-out of R-22 due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. As a result, production of R-22 has drastically slowed, and by 2025, it will no longer be available. Additionally, R-410A, while ozone-friendly, contributes to global warming, and its phase-out is gradually being implemented to reduce environmental impact.
The dwindling supply of R-22 is driving up repair costs for older systems, and replacement parts are becoming harder to source. Similarly, while R-410A is still widely available, homeowners may soon be encouraged to upgrade to units using refrigerants like R-32, which have a lower global warming potential (GWP).
How This Affects Florida Homeowners – In Florida’s extreme heat, air conditioning is essential for comfort, and the phase-out of these refrigerants can impact you in several ways:
Higher repair costs for older systems due to the limited supply of R-22.
Longer wait times for parts as systems using R-22 become harder to maintain.
Increased likelihood of breakdowns, as aging units struggle to cope with extreme temperatures.
What You Can Do – If your system still runs on R-22 or even R-410A, it’s time to plan for the future. Consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient system that uses advanced refrigerants like R-32. These systems not only meet environmental standards but are also more energy-efficient, saving you money on cooling costs over time. By staying proactive, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and uncomfortable periods without A/C in Florida’s heat. Ask about qualifying for 0% financing for 60 months when you upgrade, or call us today at (321) 632-COLD to schedule your FREE A/C System Estimate. For more information: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/documents/residential_air_conditioning_and_the_phaseout_of_hcfc-22_what_you_need_to_know_final_508.pdf
