A lot of buzz is going around the Inspection and Air Conditioning Industry about the use of R-22 refrigerant in residential air conditioning units.
Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began implementing guidelines and regulations regarding Phase Out of R-22 in 1987, phase out deadlines in 2010 and 2015 have made this a hot topic among professionals in the industry.
PROBLEM: The concern with R-22 use is one of environmental origins. R-22 is an ozone depleting agent and therefore, is being phased out in order to protect everyone.
SOLUTION: Manufacturers have been using new environmental friendly refrigerants in order to comply with the EPA Phase Out timelines and protect our environment.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO A HOME BUYER?
If you are considering purchasing a home with an air conditioning system using R-22 refrigerant, be prepared to pay more in repair costs as time goes by and the refrigerant required for servicing becomes unavailable. (R-22 production will be banned in year 2020.)
Finally, this DOES NOT mean a Home Buyer should run away from a purchase simply because the A/C system uses R-22! A Home Inspector can determine if the system is operational at the time of the Inspection, but will recommend a complete review by a licensed contractor in order to determine future performance. Keep in mind that the Inspection is simply a "snapshot" in time and Home Inspectors are not qualified nor licensed to fully examine a system using the techniques and equipment required in order to determine future performance. The good news is that most licensed Air Conditioning Contractors will include this assessment as part of their annual maintenance!
If your Inspector recommends a review of the system due to R-22 being used, simply ask the seller for the maintenance records and reach out to the servicing company in order to inquire about the future life expectancy. If records do not exist, a licensed A/C Contractor should be consulted prior to making the purchase decision.
To read more about the Phase Out of R-22, CLICK HERE for information provided by the EPA.
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