R-22 is the old standard for residential air conditioners, now being phased out by the U.S. Lennox offers dry-charged units for those who still have R-22 compatible systems.
In 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported. After 2020, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available. The production (not use) of R-22 is being phased out. You are not required to stop using R-22 air conditioners nor to replace existing equipment.
The phase-out period provides time to switch to ozone-friendly refrigerants when you normally would replace your air conditioner.
In the future, R-22 supplies will be more limited and costs to service equipment with R-22 may rise.
You may continue to have your equipment containing R-22 serviced.
The most important thing you can do is to maintain your unit properly. Appropriate servicing minimizes potential environmental damage and maintenance costs.
It is important to select a reliable service contractor. Technicians must have EPA Section 608 certification to service equipment containing R-22.
Request that service technicians locate and repair leaks instead of “topping off” leaking systems. This protects the ozone layer and saves you money by optimizing performance of your existing equipment.
It is illegal to intentionally release any refrigerant when making repairs. Technicians must use refrigerant recovery equipment during service.
