R-22 refrigerant (freon) price Increases in 2013
The price of R-22 refrigerant has skyrocketed in the last 6 months. Due to government regulations to “phase out” the production of “ozone depleting” chemicals like Freon, production has continued to decrease and has costs to skyrocket. R-22 refrigerant is 4 times more expensive than it was just 6 months ago and is expected to continue to climb.
Due to this, contractors have bought it at an alarming rate and supplies are greatly reduced. “Panic Buying” have forced some vendors across the country to limit the amount of R-22 contractors can purchase in a month.
As the cost of R-22 rises, the cost of the new replacement Freon, R410a continues to drop. It is a simple case of supply and demand.
Federal regulations call for a 90% reduction of production of R-22 by 2015 and to be completely obsolete by 2020. What this means to consumers is outrages Freon related repair costs and eventually no choice but to replace their HVAC equipment.
Most air conditioners manufactured before 2010 us the old R-22 refrigerant.
While a R-410a unit can just as easily develop a leak as an R-22 unit can, from vibration, rust, stress cracks our sub-par welds etc., without warning, the cost to replace R-410a is a fraction of R-22.
As a home owner you need to keep a few things in mind.
If you are in the market for an air conditioner do not let any contractor convince you that an R-22 unit is a good idea. Manufacturers do offer limited models of new R-22 units. The get around the law by shipping them “dry” with no refrigerant in them and classify them as a “part”. These “dry charged” units may be cheaper initially, in a very short amount of time you will be forced to upgrade to an R-410a system.
If your unit is 11 years old or older, you should start planning for an upgraded system. You can decide when to replace your system or your system will decide for you by breaking down when you least expect it!
If you have a slow leak in an R-22 system and have to add Freon every year or sooner, consider the cost of continuing to add Freon that is climbing in price. That money could be going towards a new high efficiency unit that will start saving you money on your utility bills the day it’s installed.
A/C by Jay has been installing R-410a systems since 2008 and offers some of the best options and warranties in the business. All of our technicians, installers and comfort consultants have been highly train in the new refrigerant products and hold the highest certifications. We hope you find this information helpful. Feel free to visit our website at www.dialcomfort.com or call our office at 480-922-4455.
