As Our Industry Continues the Phase Out of R-22 Coolant It’s Time to Plan the Right Solution for Your Facility
Your Chiller, Package Unit, Condenser, and any other equipment that uses R22 needs to be addressed before it is too late. Contact Us to get started on the best plan for you!
Tips for Informed Decisions
As a facility or operations manager or building owner, you’ll want to consider several points in your decision process, such as service life, cost savings, energy efficiency, performance, reliability, and the refrigerant used. The team at Campbell Mechanical is ready to help you make informed choices when it comes to R-22 phaseout and assessing plant maintenance and your options for servicing, repairing, retrofitting, or fully replacing an existing refrigeration or AC system or commercial refrigeration equipment.
It is important to work with a knowledgeable, qualified, and reliable HVAC/refrigerant system service company regarding R-22. Technicians are required to have EPA Section 608 certification to service equipment containing R-22.
Let’s Take a Closer Look At Your Three Options for the R-22 Phaseout
In general, owners of R-22 refrigerant and/or air conditioning systems have three choices:
- Replace your R-22 based equipment with a modern, more energy efficient system
- Retrofit your existing refrigeration or AC system to use a new refrigerant
- Continue maintenance of your system until breakdown
We solve commercial HVAC and plumbing problems that others can’t. Whether it’s complex system challenges, outdated infrastructure, or urgent repair needs. Our expert team also helps you stay ahead with energy-efficient solutions that reduce operating costs and improve long-term performance.
The R-22 Refrigerant Supply Issue
Today it is becoming increasingly challenging to source R-22 (or any earth-friendly alternatives) as the HVAC industry faces a range of global supply chain issues. And because the R-22 phaseout began decades ago and availability of the product has been declining significantly over the years, R-22 refrigerant prices and related repair costs are rising
However, the phaseout period provides time for your facility’s leadership to plan for the changes and either retrofit your older systems to use a new, ozone-friendly refrigerant or proactively upgrade to new air conditioning equipment when it’s time to replace your outdated refrigeration and/or HVAC system.
As R-22 cannot be manufactured or imported – it is increasingly difficult and expensive to source R22. As a result, R-22 cost increases are anticipated in the future.
As a Linc Service contractor, Campbell participates in refrigerant banking programs that can reclaim recovered R-22 into AHRI 700 specifications at a purification facility. Once purified, it is stored until needed to help avoid paying mounting costs as R-22 is phased out. We also work with vendors to receive discounts on R-22 alternatives, helping to ensure that our clients’ facility equipment is compliant as well as budget conscious.
R-22 Phaseout Background – Fast Facts
- The dangers of older refrigerants, such as R-22, to the Earth’s ozone layer have been known since the 1970s
- The “production” of R-22 is being phased out – not the “use” of R-22 (R-22 is no longer produced or imported as of January 2020.)
- Refrigeration and AC systems containing R-22 may continue to be serviced
- Reclaimed, recovered, or recycled R-22 can be used for service and maintenance of existing refrigeration or AC systems for the life of the equipment
- It is illegal to intentionally release any refrigerant when making repairs. Technicians must use refrigerant recovery equipment and take efforts to avoid releases of refrigerant during service
- The most common alternative to R-22 (also known as Freon or HCFC) is R-410A, a non-ozone-depleting HFC refrigerant blend
Existing equipment can still be used, but it’s time to adapt and look ahead.
As a leading provider of commercial mechanical contractor services, we know preventative maintenance saves money and time.