R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant that is often used in air conditioning equipment. Unfortunately, HCFCs deplete the Earth's protective ozone layer. The U.S. Government began phasing out R-22 refriterant in 2010, with a long term plan to complete ban production and importing of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b by 2020. The intent is that after 2020, the servicing of systems with R-22 will rely on recycled or stockpiled quantities of R-22. This lengthy phaseout was provided by the by EPA in order to give homeowners time to consider and plan for the probable substantial rise in cost of R-22 refrigerant and possible lack of supply.

FACTS:

* You may continue to have your equipment that contains R-22 serviced.

* Technicians servicing R-22 systems must have EPA Section 608 certification.

*The most important thing you can do is to maintain your system properly. Appropriate servicing minimizes potential environmental damage and maintenance costs.

*Having service technicians locate and repair leaks, instead of "topping off" leaking systems helps to protect the ozone layer. This also saves your money by optimizing the performance of your existing equipment.

*It is illegal to intentionally release any refrigerant when making repairs. Technicians must use refrigerant recovery equipment during service.

Timeline of the Phaseout of R-22 and R142B

January 1, 2010: Ban on production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b except for continuing servicing needs of existing equipment.

January 1, 2015: Ban on sale and use of all HCFCs except for certain uses, including servicng needs of refrigeration equipment.

January 1, 2020: Ban on remaining production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC- 142b.

After 2020, the servicing of systems with R-22 will rely on recycled or stockpiled quantities.

Bartlett Heating and Cooling's stance on servicing and repairing R-22 systems.

Bartlett Heating and Cooling's technicians are EPA Certified to service R-22 systems. We will happily repair your existing R-22 systems when at all possible. However, we often encourage customers to look at replacing equipment when refrigerant repair cost begin to climb. The price of R-22 refrigerant is very volitile and we expect that the cost per pound will continue to climb. It is part of our service to inform you of what your options are and what our professional opinion is. Sometimes leaks can be efficiently repaired. There are some leaks (often found in evaporator coils) that cannot be repaired. Most of the time, even if only the evaporator coil or condensing unit needs to be replaced, we recommend replacing both and converting to R-410A. This is because usually the SEER of the new equipment will not match the SEER of the older equipment, causing mechanical problems and premature failure of the equipment.

When replacing a cooling system, Bartlett will replace with systems that use R410-A refrigerant, commonly known as "Puron". Should you elect new equipment, feel confident in knowing that Bartlett has been installing HVAC equipment using Puron for well over 10 years.