If you have been keeping up with the HVAC industry at all lately, you may be wondering, “will I be affected by the 2020 Freon ban?” It is true that because of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), regulations regarding the refrigerant Freon will be changing next year. However, there have been a lot of misconceptions swirling around about what the supposed Freon “ban” entails, and whose air conditioning systems it’s going to affect.
What the 2020 Freon Ban Actually Means
Although people are discussing the 2020 changes to Freon regulations as something unexpected, they have actually been building for years. All the way back in the 1980s, the EPA first found the substance R-22, more commonly known as Freon, to contain ozone-depleting substances, meaning it is toxic for the environment. While they have been trying to phaseout R-22 since then, the government organization began to escalate its efforts to get rid of it in 2010, declaring that under the Clean Aire Act, all new AC units must be manufactured to run on substances other than Freon. In 2015, they officially barred all production and importing of Freon in the United States, with the ban set to take full effect on January 1st of next year.
However, while it may be illegal to import and produce Freon starting in 2020, the sale of the product will still be legal. Again, the goal of the EPA is a phaseout. This means that you will still be able to purchase Freon for your air conditioner until the supply in the U.S. completely runs out. The EPA’s decision to bar any new Freon from being manufactured or brought into the country is simply designed to ensure the supply runs out sooner rather than later.
What Should I Do If My AC Runs on Freon?
If your AC still runs on Freon, you essentially have three options. The first is to wait until U.S. stores have completely dwindled, and you are forced to purchase a new AC unit. The second is to retrofit your current until, so that it runs on a coolant other than Freon. The third and final option is to upgrade to a new, energy-efficient AC unit now.
At Meyer’s Companies, we highly recommend going with option three. Our experienced Griffith HVAC techs carry a range of options for AC installation and replacement, all designed to drive down overall energy costs while providing greater cooling relief. Call today for more information about the best air conditioning options on the market, and always keep your HVAC equipment up to date with our experts at Meyer’s Companies.
To schedule service now, dial (219) 240-0610, or click here to contact us online.