EPA Freon Crackdown Can Affect Your Air Conditioner
Posted by Raymond Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
Take Advantage of Tax Credits on Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners
It may be difficult to think about sultry summer nights when the world outside your door is cold and snowy, but recent changes in government policy could affect the operation of your air conditioner this summer. It’s best to consider you’re A/C options now and prepare while you can take advantage of federal tax credits on new fuel-efficient air conditioners.
The EPA Banned The Use of Freon in Air Conditioners
Many homeowners cool their homes with older air conditioners that use R22 refrigerant, or Freon. Until recently, Freon was the industry standard in the manufacture of central air conditioning systems. Unfortunately, R22 refrigerant is also a notorious ozone depleter. Last summer the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of Freon in newly manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps which now use Puron, a new, environmentally-safe refrigerant.
Freon Prices Have Went Up At Least 300%
But what about the older air conditioner in your home that still uses Freon? You can still run your A/C; but if your air conditioner has developed a leak that requires recharging at the start of each cooling season, be prepared for a major price increase. Freon prices have shot up at least 300%. The fill that cost you $100 last summer will cost you at least $300 and likely more this summer. And expect the price to continue rising. Refrigerant manufacturers must stop production of R22 refrigerant on January 1, 2020. Even if your old A/C is still chugging, you’ll no longer be able to get it recharged.
Consider A New Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner
If your Freon-based air conditioner is showing signs of age, the high cost of servicing and recharging makes this a good time to consider replacing it with an energy-efficient, environmentally safe Puron air conditioner. With the federal government offering excellent tax credits on the purchase of new Energy Star air conditioners this year, why keep throwing good money after bad?
