Why Is R22 Coolant So Expensive?

Though you may know it more commonly as refrigerant, R22 is the coolant that creates the cold air coming from many standard air conditioning units. After being discovered to contain ozone-depleting substances, R22 has been gradually phased out and banned from use in newer AC units by the Environmental Protection Agency. However, homeowners with older air conditioning systems may still need to use R22 to recharge their AC unit. Doing this can be a challenge due to the ban—and due to the high prices associated with it.

As a result of the R22 ban and the Montreal Protocol as a whole, there is a limited supply of R22 remaining. Unfortunately, since many air conditioning units were built before the ban was put into place, a large number of homeowners and business owners still require R22 for their units to cool properly. If you live in a home or own a business with air conditioning unit that still operates using R22, check out our tips below to find different options for saving on cooling costs.

How to Reduce Your Cooling Costs

If purchasing R22 refrigerant to recharge your AC unit is too impractical financially (or makes you feel unsteady about your family’s health and safety), you may want to consider these alternatives:

• Swap out R22 components in your current unit – If you hire a professional contractor, it may be possible to switch out certain components of your current unit to meet the requirements for R410A compliance. However, this can be a time-consuming and costly project.
• Replace pieces of your equipment – If you want to keep your existing air conditioning system but don’t want to dissect each part of your appliances, you can gradually replace appliances over time until you meet the new air conditioning standards.
• Install a new air conditioning system – While getting rid of your air conditioning system completely and installing a new unit may seem like an unnecessary expense, it will save you money in the long run. Not only will a new unit reduce the need to buy expensive R22 coolant, but it will also require less maintenance and repair by running more efficiently over time. This will ultimately cut down on cooling costs and make your home safer for your family.

Instead of wasting money and resources on R22, invest in a new cooling system for your home. You’ll have the comfort of knowing that you’re keeping money in your pocket while keeping your home healthier in the process.

HVAC Installation & Repair in Central NJ

For the most dependable HVAC services in Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset, and Ocean Counties, Arctic Air Conditioning is the company you need. As a certified ENERGY STAR® contractor and Dave Lennox Premier Dealer for over 38 years, we guarantee the highest level of care and your complete satisfaction with our air conditioning services (including installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance).

If you’re interested in replacing your air conditioning unit with an eco-friendly alternative, take a look at the ENERGY STAR air conditioners we offer. To learn more about how you can get rebates up to $4,000 by saving energy in your home, visit our page on the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.

Call 732-518-8215 or contact us online to get a free estimate from the experts at Arctic Air Conditioning today!