Well, maybe.
It will be illegal to manufacture or import Freon (also known as HCFC-22, R-22 or hydrochloroflurocarbon 22) after December 31, 2019. This chemical, which can damage the earth’s ozone layer, has been banned by all 197 countries in the United Nations.The good news?
If your A/C was built after 2010, it uses a more earth-friendly refrigerant, since an EPA ban on manufacturing Freon-based systems has been in effect for almost 10 years.Ouch! My A/C is old! Will we be affected by the Freon ban?
If your home air conditioner is pre-2010, it may face a future where the dwindling supply of R-22 will cause prices to spiral upward, and it may make replacement of your A/C an economical choice. (If you’re not sure whether your system uses Freon, contact your SMART contractor)If I had to replace Freon in my A/C before should I get a new system?
One key question to ask is whether you’ve ever had to replace Freon after a leak. Some systems (here’s some more good news) which never leaked Freon may have a closed system and can keep going years longer.
But … if you’ve ever had to recharge Freon, it was caused by a leak, it’s likely to leak again, and that’s trouble. Again, your SMART technician can help you with an inspection.
Do you have to worry about your car’s A/C?
No! The automotive industry switched over to more eco-friendly refrigerants years ago.What can you do to prolong the life of your air conditioning?
Use all the common-sense precautions: change filters regularly, have regular seasonal maintenance, don’t strain the system (e.g., use ceiling fans year round, close blinds or drapes on sunny Summer days.)
For an earth-friendly longer-term answer you can feel good about, plant a tree outside a south-facing window that will offer leafy shade in summer, but lose its leaves to allow in warming sunshine every winter.
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