R-22 Prices go Up Fast
The R-22 refrigerant has quadrupled in price over the last 30 days so all you customers with old R-22 systems need to start budgeting for the new high-efficiency 410-A air-conditioners. The new systems will pay for themselves within five years on the energy savings they will get. R-22 refrigerant cost sky rocket through the roof with 300% cost increases. This impact will cost our Commercial & Residential home owner another 30% on freon related repairs.According to Air Conditioning Contractors of America recent actions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding HCFCs have led to uncertainty about the availability of R-22 in the coming months and years. In response, contractors have noticed a ramp-up in the chatter about R-22 and price changes as some manufacturers and importers have amended their sales policies.
This situation is the culmination of several factors, including the continued implementation of the federal government’s policies regarding HCFCs, current market conditions, and delays in the regulatory process. As most contractors know, the EPA controls the production of HCFCs, including the refrigerant known as R-22, through allowances that limit how much each gas manufacturer and importer can produce or import in a given year. Under the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the production and use of R-22 is slowly being phased out, hence the price increase. We are trying to make the transition to the high-efficiency 410-A air-conditioners. So keep this in mind when your repair prices start going through the roof and start saving now for the new higher efficiency unit that uses 410-A. For more information please visit: https://www.acca.org/archives/industry-resources/government-affairs/hot-air/6509
