Does your air conditioning unit or heat pump contain an R-22 (HCFC-22)?
If so, you should be aware that Canada has started to phase out ozone-depleting refrigerants including R-22 (HCFC-22), which is found in the majority of heat pumps and air conditioning units.
What does this mean for you?
If your system includes this refrigerant, will you have to replace it with a whole new piece of equipment?
This issue is definitely something you should be looking in to and should be an option you should strongly consider. As an equipment owner, you need to find out which option is best for your system, your home, and your families needs.
Unless your system has been installed in the last few years, it most likely contains R-22. With R-22 refrigerant being phased out over the next 7 years, there will be less R-22 available for service making it become more expensive. You can continue to use R-22 for the foreseeable future, however, you should also look at the options of replacing the type of refrigerant in your current system or replacing the system itself with one that uses a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant.
Canadian regulations do not permit new R-22 systems to be manufactured or imported into Canada. If you are looking to replace your existing system with the same, you should be aware that you no longer can.
You can, however, keep your existing refrigerant as there are no restrictions, at this time, on the use of R-22 equipment or R-22 refrigerant.
Alternatives to R-22 Refrigerants
There are alternative, non-ozone-depleting ‘drop-in’ refrigerants available that can replace the R-22 in your air conditioning unit or heat pump system, with minor changes to the equipment.
As listed at Bright Hub Engineering, the following can be used as alternatives to R-22.
- R-134a
- R-507
- R-404A
- R-407c
- R- 410A
Always remember to ensure all system components are changed when you move to a new refrigerant.
What Should You Do Now?
The BEST way to make sound decisions about your air conditioning unit or heat pump system is to discuss your options with a qualified heating and cooling specialist. They know the business and what will work best for your needs and your system’s needs.
Feel free to do your own research on the subject using the links provided below:
If you are unsure of anything regarding your AC, and this page has you second guessing yourself, feel free to give us a call and one of our trained professionals will help answer any questions you may have regarding your AC and HVAC system. Or fill out our Contact Us page and we’ll reach out to you right away !
