R-22 Conversions in Jacksonville & St. Augustine, FL
If you have an older air conditioning system, it may be using R-22 refrigerant, which has been discontinued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to its harmful environmental effects.
Since refrigerant is essential for cooling your home, it’s important to understand how the R-22 phase-out impacts you. Whether that means you need to recharge, modify, or replace your old AC, United Air Temp is here to help you navigate this change.
Contact United Air Temp today to discuss your R-22 conversion options.
What Is Refrigerant & How Does It Work?
Refrigerant is a vital component in air conditioning systems, including ductless mini-splits and heat pumps. Refrigerant works by changing from a liquid to a gas and cycling back and forth, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside.
When it evaporates in the indoor coil, it cools the air inside. Now a gas, it then moves to the outdoor coil, releases the heat outside, and turns back into a liquid. It’s then sent back inside to continue the cycle.
While there are many types of refrigerants, R-22, also known as Freon, is no longer manufactured because it depletes the ozone layer. This means homeowners with R-22 systems need to consider alternatives.
R-22 Conversion Process
Retrofitting an existing HVAC unit to accommodate alternative refrigerants is an extensive process, which includes:
- Removing the old R-22 refrigerant
- Replacing major components, like the compressor, evaporator, and condenser
- Recharging the system with a more environmentally friendly refrigerant
If your unit is over 10 years old, it might not make sense to invest in an R-22 conversion.
Other Options for R-22 Systems
If retrofitting isn’t the best option for you, there are other alternatives to consider:
Recharge Your HVAC System With R-22 Freon
Since the production of R-22 is now illegal, we only have access to Freon that was made before Jan. 1, 2020. Your HVAC contractor can now only use stockpiled or recycled R-22, which is becoming increasingly expensive due to its scarcity.
This is ultimately a temporary solution, but it works because ACs don’t need new refrigerant like cars need new oil. Your system uses the same refrigerant unless there’s a leak.
Replace Your HVAC System
If your cooling system is over 10 years old, upgrading to a new unit might be more cost-effective in the long run, even though it requires an initial investment. Modern systems use eco-friendly refrigerants and are more energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run.
United Air Temp can help you choose the best air conditioner replacement for your home. We have special offers and financing options on approved credit to help you make a replacement fit your budget.
Choose UAT for R-22 Conversion in the Jacksonville Area
Managing service for your R-22 cooling unit can be daunting, but rest assured that the team at United Air Temp has the expertise, availability, and tools to help.
Our experts receive over 40 hours of annual training. We put customer service first, providing transparent communication with written reports of all work performed.
Call UAT today to request R-22 conversion or AC replacement in Jacksonville or St. Augustine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are HCFCs and R-22?
HCFCs, or hydrochlorofluorocarbons, are compounds used in refrigerants like R-22. The EPA is banning HCFCs because they contribute to ozone depletion. All HCFCs will be phased out by 2030.
What types of refrigerant are used to replace R-22?
HCFCs are being replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which lack the ozone-depleting chlorine found in HCFCs. New air conditioning units will use R454B or R-32 after 2025.
Is recycled R-22 still available?
Yes, recycled R-22, which is purified from used refrigerant, can still be used. It’s recommended to use recycled refrigerant from your own system.
Reclaimed R-22, which meets the same purity standards as new R-22, is also available but may be costly due to its limited supply.
United Air Temp was named the 2022 HVACR National Contractor of the Year.
Click Here to Learn More