Friday, May 24, 2013

What The Phase-out Of R22 Freon Means For Tempe Heating Repair

By Vicki Diaz


In areas where winter weather remains moderate, heat pumps offer an energy efficient means of keeping warm. However, many older systems use R22 as a heat transfer medium to move heat in or out of a building. The Clean Air Act of 1970 requires eliminating 90% of this substance during the next several months. For those needing Tempe heating repair, this has big implications.

R22, also called Freon works very well inside a closed loop HVAC system. It changes to a liquid when compressed and evaporates to a gas to absorb heat. This conversion is useful in both winter and summer conditions. However, if the substance is released into the atmosphere it adds to the depletion of the ozone. The clean air act will make Freon much more difficult to purchase for repairs. When it is available it will be more expensive. For homeowners depending on older heat pump systems, this may affect their options for repairs.

Heat pumps using the older R22 cannot use the newer type of replacement. There is also no workaround or retrofit to allow the older technology to work with the new refrigerant. For most homeowners, this means that units will need to be replaced instead of being repaired.

These changes are a part of the Clean Air Act which was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon in 1970. It is enforced by the EPA. While homeowners may be able to have R22 added to existing units for the next several months, the price is expected to continue to increase. The law eliminates the manufacture of R22 by the year 2020.

For years, homeowners have learned that it is more often more cost effective to replace a HVAC system that is nearing the end of its life cycle instead of replacing it. Units between 10 and 20 years of age are recommended for replacement with any major breakdown, such as the failure of a compressor. With the changes in the law, replacement is going to be more viable for all units using R22 as a refrigerant.

When homeowners make these replacements of their system, they should consider choosing a unit offering a higher efficiency. While the initial outlay may be more for the more efficient unit, it can offer potential savings for many years ahead. Many homeowners find the reduction in energy costs every month help to pay the cost of the unit by the midpoint of its useful life.

Sometimes power companies provide rebates to help offset the cost of installing Energy Star rated appliances. In addition one may qualify for tax incentives provided by state and federal governments. Many companies offer financing of the new system if the homeowner qualifies.

To learn more about the effects of these new regulations regarding Freon R22, contact a reputable Tempe Heating repair company. The representatives are familiar with deadlines, current costs of R22 and its availability as well as options for fixing or replaceing of heat pumps. Most also offer repairs and service for furnaces using natural gas, fuel oil, propane or electricity to warm the home during the cold winter.




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