R-22 Shortages Could Lead To Much Higher Prices In Florida: Must-Have Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
The appliance that Floridians rely on to get through the summer is an air conditioner — 85 percent of which use R-22 Freon. Prices are rising because this refrigerant is being phased out and R-22 shortages are expected. By 2020, its production will cease completely.
Refrigerants in cooling equipment do not get used up. The need to add more is always the result of a leak in the system. The best thing that owners of systems that use R-22 can do is have routine maintenance performed. Planned maintenance keeps systems clean and running efficiently also, potential R-22 leaks can be detected. When the systems do need more refrigerant, the R-22 shortages are likely to cause owners to consider upgrading their equipment to newer systems that use R410-A, which is far less expensive and much more environmentally friendly.
R-22 is globally recognized as a principle cause of ozone depletion and global warming. Additionally, it’s a hazardous chemical to breathe and it requires a special license to handle. Anyone who is removing an older HVAC system that uses it has to have a licensed technician remove the R-22 first.
Energy-efficiency improvements in air conditioners that use R-410A lower electric bills, and topping off an air conditioner that uses the newer alternative costs far less than staying with R-22. As air conditioners age, there’s a point at which maintaining and repairing stops making economic sense. And with the phase-out of R-22, the day is quickly approaching for Florida homeowners to start planning for a system replacement.
Starting now and heading into the future, R-22 shortages are going to become a major pocketbook issue. If you would like to learn more about preparing for the R-22 shortages, contact Symbiont Service Corp. We serve Florida’s Suncoast and are a NATE-certified contractor.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about R-22 shortages and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Symbiont Service Corp. serves Englewood, Florida and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
| Energy Savings image via Shutterstock |
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