So, I received notice about R-22 Freon from my HVAC service

Posted on: September 29, 2022 at 10:03:19 CT

yesterday. They told me they can no longer service my 12 year old air conditioning system, because the EPA has phased out R-22 refrigerant. Apparently, the greenies have declared R-22 a dangerous ozone depleter and its manufacture and imports have been discontinued in the U.S. I called in and talked with a technician to get the details. Apparently, they can pump out the toxic R-22 and replace it with a more expensive replacement. However, the replacement gas is a less efficient coolant, its use requires more run time and more expense to cool my house (over 4,200 square feet) and is damaging to my current system. I asked about the alternative and to no surprise they told me a full replacement of the outside compressor and inside evaporator coil. The expense was estimated at $8,000 to $12,000 in equipment, not including labor and milage. They also said there is no trade-in refund for the R-22 or my for currently working system. I've checked online and recovered R-22 is selling at roughly $95 to $100 per pound through wholesale vendors. I believe my four ton system holds about 6 pounds of R-22 and it is not yet leaking.