How long can you store r22

However, it does mean that if your AC or heat pump system needs a repair that involves refrigerant, you may have to decide between a hefty refrigerant bill and a system replacement.

On January 1, , the Environmental Protection Agency EPA implemented a ban on the production and import of R22, except for continuing servicing needs of existing equipment. What Is Refrigerant, Anyway? The refrigerant in your AC or heat pump is the fluid that flows inside the coils in your equipment.

This physical change makes the substance either hot or cold. As its pressure changes, it readily absorbs or gives off heat to the air passing over the coils, changing the temperature of that air. Eventually, this comfortable air makes its way to the rooms in your home. However, as the January 1, ban date approaches, you may need to evaluate your options if your air conditioning or heat pump system fails or requires emergency repairs. To confirm what refrigerant your unit is running on, you can:.

There should be a nameplate somewhere on the case that lists all the specs associated with your unit, including the refrigerant it contains. Our experienced EPA-certified technicians can come out and inspect your unit to confirm whether or not it contains R We find that our customers often have some of the same concerns and questions about how the ban on R22 will impact them.

Some of the most common questions are:. However, it is illegal to import or manufacture R22, which means that the only supplies available will come from recycled R This limited supply will naturally limit the availability and increase the cost significantly.

Their charm is unparalleled, and a lot of people like the feeling of purchasing a piece of history. Once they pass this test, they are certified to work on any equipment that could potentially release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. When you call a company to inquire about repairs or maintenance, you can ask if they have any Section Certified employees. These technicians should also be able to show you their credentials upon request.

Avoid too Good to be True Alternatives. Replace Your Unit Be proactive! Now is the time to replace your unit with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Building an Addition this Summer? That timeline ended on January 1st, and now R22 can no longer be manufactured in the United States, now can we import it from other countries. It does not mean that. Not only are most of the parts in your older system not affected by the ban on the import or manufacture of R22 we can get parts for year-old equipment , but it is still R22 available.

The vendors stocked up on R22 prior to the ban going into effect so there are still considerable amounts of R22 available with them. Contractors are also encouraged to recover the refrigerant from older systems. According to the EPA, it is. The reclaiming process is regulated to meet strict standards for resale. The companies doing the reclaiming must clean the refrigerant to a point that exceeds ARI purity standards.

This standard is the exact same standard that new refrigerant must meet before it can be sold. Faced with the rising costs of R22 air conditioner repairs, the decline of available refrigerant supply, and the increase in price of refrigerant, deciding what to do with your system can be a complicated choice.

By January 1, , there was a ban on the production and import of R As a result, manufacturers of heat pump and air conditioning equipment redesigned their systems to accommodate R 0A, a chlorine-free refrigerant compared to R EPA regulations require a ban on the production and import of R refrigerant by January 1, After , any air conditioning or heat pump system using R that requires servicing will have to depend on potentially expensive R stockpiles or reclaimed refrigerant.