This article discusses why Freon A/C units won’t be able to recharged soon — and it will be increasingly expensive to recharge them until then.   Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, in Plano, Texas provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C is near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX and Frisco, Texas.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX and Denton County, TX with no additional travel charge.

Why R-12/Freon A/C Units Can’t Be Recharged Soon

Image Source: DreamsTime

Why Freon / R-22 Refrigerant Will Soon Be Gone

R12 / Freon has high levels of chlorine that depletes the earth’s ozone layer.  For this reason, The EPA’s Clean Air Act implemented new refrigerant standards.  Older air conditioners that use Freon / R-22 refrigerant) will soon be a thing of the past — because Freon / R-22 refrigerant will no longer be available.  As of Jan 1, 2020 — R22 / Freon can no longer be manufactured or imported into the U.S.  Government regulations now require new A/C’s use R410a or other newer approved refrigerants.

The EPA’s Schedule To Phase Out Freon / R-12:

Image Source: ShutterStock

R-22 was banned by the EPA because the chlorine in Freon damaged the Ozone-Layer. ** 

• January 1, 2020 — A Total Ban on all production & import of new R-12/Freon.
• No more new Freon will be available to service existing air conditioners.
• Now, recharging a R-22/Freon A/C — must rely solely on recycled R-12 / Freon Refrigerant.

** Source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-07/documents/phasing_out_hcfc_refrigerants_to_protect_the_ozone_layer.pdf

Reclaimed & Recycled R-22 (removed from devices taken out of service) will keep R-22 available for now. 

In time, there will be no devices that use Freon remaining.  Until Then — Freon Will Become Increasingly Expensive.

Freon / R-12:

• In 2015, Freon = $10 per pound. **
• In 2020, Freon = $80–$140 per pound.

• A 3 ton / 36,000 BTU Central A/C needs 6 pounds of refrigerant when it’s completely empty (due to a leak).
• At present — the cost to fully recharge a 3-ton A/C with Freon is up to $850.00 (not including labor).
• If the A/C is low on Freon — there’s a leak somewhere.  The refrigerant leak must be repaired before recharging.

Puron / R-410A:     Note: R-410A replaced R-22.

• $5.00 per pound — R410A refrigerant cost (not including labor) when this article was written. **
• A 3 ton / 36,000 BTU Central A/C needs 6 pounds of refrigerant if it’s completely discharged (due to a leak).
• At present — the cost is up to $30.00 to fully recharge an A/C with R-410A refrigerant (not including labor). 

** Source: https://refrigeranthq.com/how-much-is-r-410a-refrigerant-per-pound-in-2020/

R-410A Plus A Newer Refrigerant — R-32.

R-410A has a higher Global Warming Potential (2088) than Freon (1810).  So, a newer refrigerant, R-32 — is starting to be used by some A/C manufacturers.  R-32 refrigerant performs similar to R134a — and breaks down much faster in the upper atmosphere — so it contributes nearly 2/3 less to global warming than R-410A.

R-32 Global Warming potential (675) — about 1/3 that of R410A.   Neither R-410A nor R-32 have any ozone-layer damage potential.  Also, R-32 systems use up to 20% less refrigerant than R410A systems — and R32 is easier to recycle than R410A.   At the time this article was written — there were no R-32 refrigerant, residential central A/C’s being sold in the U.S.

Though R-32 won’t cause an explosion — it’s slightly flammable.  So HVAC technicians must be trained on how to use R-32 safely — and become F Gas (flammable gas) Certified.

** Source: *** Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/heating-cooling/why-freon-is-being-phased-out/#:~:text=December%202014%20was%20the%20last,%2C%20most%20commonly%20R%2D410A.

In September 2019, Daikin HVAC — the world’s largest manufacturer of HVAC Systems  said R-32 is ideal refrigerant for many residential A/C products in the U.S. **   Though R32 Refrigerant will be new to the U.S. — it’s been used for many years and is widely used in Japan, Australia, and India.

Daikin HVAC  is currently developing R-32 refrigerant residential HVAC products for the U.S. (U.S. Brands are Daikin, Goodman, & Amana).  Since 2012, Daikin has sold more than 21 million R32 residential units worldwide.  Daikin estimates that more than 84 million R32 residential units are now in use across 70 countries.*4

Daikin invented R32 — and has many R-32 Patents.   To facilitate increased R32 refrigerants use — in 2019 Daikin announced that some of their R-32 Patents will allow other manufacturers to produce R-32 without Patent-Infringement.

On A Side Note…  Starting in Jan 2022 –all new vehicles sold in America can no longer use R410 refrigerant.  ***

** Source: https://www.contractingbusiness.com/residential-hvac/press-release/20871171/daikin-to-develop-products-for-r32-refrigerant

*** Source: https://www.hansonkia.com/service/information/things-to-know-about-automotive-refrigerant-olympia-wa.htm

*4 Source: https://www.coolingpost.com/world-news/daikin-adopts-r32-for-key-us-products/#:~:text=USA%3A%20Daikin%20is%20to%20widen,for%20the%20North%20American%20market.

Most R-22/Freon Central A/C Outdoor Units Are Old

The manufacture or import of new HVAC systems, that used R-22, was banned in the U.S. at the end of 2010.  Though some A/C companies converted to R-410A earlier — other A/C manufacturers sold R-22 A/C’s through the end of 2010.  Most A/C’s built prior to 2010 likely to use R-22.

Just below, we tell you how to determine which refrigerant your A/C uses.  If your A/C was built earlier than 2010 — its age may make it hard to justify paying nearly $850.00 (just for the refrigerant, + labor) to recharge a 3-ton / 36,000 BTU central a/c with Freon( if it needs a complete recharge).  If a partial recharge is required — the cost may be justified.  Keep in mind that if the system needs more refrigerant — there’s a leak somewhere.  It must be repaired before recharging.

Click Here To See A Silver Tag With (outside unit) showing Manufacture Date: Outdoor Unit Silver Tag With Manufacture Date.

Click Here To See A Silver Tag With (outside unit) showing Type Of Refrigerant Used: Silver Tag Shows Type Of Refrigerant Used

Click Here To See A Silver Tag With (outside unit) Showing How Much Refrigerant Is Required: Silver Tag Shows How Much Refrigerant System Needs

Note: Most silver tags tell how much refrigerant is required for a full charge.  On the silver tag shown — it’s called “Factory Charge”.  That 4-Ton outdoor unit requires 9 pounds & 11 ounces of refrigerant.

How To Determine The Capacity / Size Of A Central A/C

• Within the outdoor unit’s model number, on the silver tag — there is one of these numbers: “18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60”.  These are the standard A/C sizes — from 1.5 ton to 5 ton.  Note: 1 Ton  = 12,000 BTU’s

• Divide the number on the silver tag by 12 to get the A/C’s tonnage.  Example: 60/12 = 5 ton (60,000 BTU) A/C.

Click Here To See Outside Unit’s Model Number Includes “48” — it’s a 4 Ton / 48,000 BTU Unit: Model Number Includes “48”. 4-Ton Unit

Why You Don’t Want To Convert Your Existing R-22/Freon A/C  To R410A

R-410A operates at a higher pressure-level than R-22/Freon.  For that reason — converting an R-22 system to R-410A is very expensive.   The conversion requires replacing: the outdoor unit & coil + the indoor cooling-coil (evaporator) & condenser coils with ones designed for R-410A.   The conversion would cost more than installing a new A/C designed for R410A.

NOTE: It’s still ok and legal to recharge an R-22 A/C with Freon.

What You Need To Know Before Replacing Freon / R-22 With a Substitute, “Drop-In” Replacement

If you choose to keep your R-22 / Freon A/C going — it may be able to be drained of R-22 — and the Frepm replaced with a “Drop-In” refrigerant.  Keep in mind — this is a “band aid” to keep an old C/A going.  In DFW, the lifespan of a Central A/C is 12-15 years — IF it was properly maintained from the day it was new (this includes an annual Tune-Up by an HVAC Tech).   If yearly maintenance was not performed — the A/C is likely worn out after 12 years.   You could incur the expense of converting the system from R-22 to a Substitute refrigerant — and have the A/C fail in a short time (due to wear out or a costly breakdown).

• It’s illegal to mix refrigerants — so the system’s Freon must be completely removed.  Then the system can be fully charged with R407C or another replacement refrigerant.

• Another reason the A/C must have all R-22 removed is — older A/C systems use mineral oil for lubrication.  Mineral oil does not work with replacement refrigerants — they require polyester oil (POE).

• R-407c  is a common substitute for R-22.

• R-407C becomes combustible under pressure — and if exposed to strong ignition sources. **

** Source: https://refrigerants.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SDS-R407C.pdf

Deciding To Recharge, Repair, or Replace Your Freon-R-22 Refrigerant A/C Conditioner?

Image Source: ShutterStock

Recharge, Repair, or Replace?

• If your Freon A/C is working well (no recharge or repairs needed) — you can continue to use it.

• If your Freon A/C needs recharged — ask the recharge cost + cost to repair the refrigerant leak.   At today’s prices for Freon refrigerant — the cost of an R-22 recharge is likely not be wise.  The final decision is based on the unit’s age, and how much Freon is needed to bring it back to full charge.

• The lifespan of a properly maintained a/c in DFW is 12-15 years.  Consider its age before sinking money into an old system.

• The Improved Efficiency Of A New A/C will return some of the replacement cost with lower cooling bills.  How much savings you’ll achive depends on the SEER (dfficiency rating) of the existing system.  In DFW today, the minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) for new a/c installations is SEER 14.   Just below, we show the SEER of A/C’s based on their age.  Also, efficiency drops as the system ages — due to normal wear of the components.

SEER Rating Of Central A/C — By Age:

When Made        SEER

• New A/C                 14

• Before 1980            6 or less
• 1980-1985               7 or less
• 1986-1991                8 or less
• 1980-1985               7 or less
• 1992-2005             10-12
• 2006 to present   13 or higher
• 2020 in Texas      14 or higher

Should You Replace A Component, Repair A Leak, Recharge,

Or Replace Your Existing Freon Air Conditioner?

Click Here For More Details On Common Air Conditioner Breakdowns:  Common A/C Breakdowns

• The Repair Costs, and Age of your existing Freon A/C are the major factors in the decision whether to repair or replace. 

• If a component has failed — ask the cost to replace it.  For Example: If a capacitor (it’s a rechargable battery) replacement is needed (a common problem) — it’s a lower cost repair.

• If an A/C is low on charge — it’s due to a leak.  Refrigerant does not wear out, nor diminish in volume.  If your A/C is low on charge, you must also pay to repair the leak.

• If the leak is in a refrigerant line, the cost to repair the leak may be justified.

• If the leak is in the indoor cooling coil (evaporator oil) OR outdoor unit’s coil (condenser coil) — the coil must be replaced.  The cost to replace the coil, and recharge is likely not justified.

Click Here To See An Evaporator Coil : Central A/C Evaporator Coil

Note: This coil is inside the furnace or ductwork and is not readily visible.

• If the compressor (in outdoor unit) has failed — replace the system.  Compressor replacement is very expensive — and you’ll have 1 expensive new part in an old A/C.

If You Repair An Older Freon Air Conditioner, How Long Will It Last?

There is no way to know.  If the system has been reliable and needs a modest cost repair — it may make sense.  If you have had several breakdowns over the past few years — it’s because the system is wearing out.  Replacing one part will buy some time — but how long is anyone’s guess.

How Long Your A/C Lasts Is Directly Related To Maintenance & How Much It Must Run

A neglected cooling system can nearly double your cooling costs.  This is because the System is running nearly twice as much as it would if properly maintained one —so the System’s lifespan will be cut in half.

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

Dirty & New Furnace Filter

• The #1 HVAC System Maintenance Item is — checking the furnace air filter monthly, and replacing it when needed. 
• A dirty furnace filter can increase cooling costs by up to 15%.
• It stands to reason that a dirty filter causes the a/c to run longer and harder to deliver the same amount of cooling.

Image Source: DreamsTime

• The #2 Central A/C maintenance item is keeping the outdoor unit’s coil clean.
• The outside unit moves a tremendous amount of air while running.  Over time, the coils gather dirt & debris, and continue further clog if not cleaned.

Click Here To See A Clogged A/C Condenser Unit (outside unit) Before & After Cleaning: Before & After Cleaning An Outdoor A/C Unit

• The #3 Central A/C maintenance item is keeping the indoor cooling coil clean.    NOTE: This coil is nside the furnace or ductwork and can’t be seen without removing a panel.

• A clogged indoor cooling coil + clogged outdoor unit coil can increase cooling costs & operating time by up to 30%.

Click Here To See A Very Dirty Indoor Cooling Coil (evaporator coil — also called: “A-Cooil):Very Dirty Indoor Cooling Coil

Click Here To See A Clean (actually a new) Indoor Cooling Coil: Clean Indoor Cooling Coil

** Source: https://www.conditionedair.com/blog/hvac-maintenance-how-often-should-ac-coils-be-cleaned/#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20dirty,evaporator%20coils%20and%20compressor%20overheating.

Let’s Do The Math:

A Dirty Furnace Filter — causes the HVAC System to run up to +15% more.

Dirty coils in the outdoor unit + indoor cooling coil — causes the HVAC System to run as much a +30% more.

When neglected, these 3 items nearly double cooling costs — and double the amount of time the A/C must run (to deliver the same amount of cooling).

Other Factors That Affect HVAC System Lifespan (and operating costs)

• How Cool You Keep Your Home:

Each 1 degree (below 78°F) increases the amount of time the system must run by by 3-4%.    If you keep your home at 70 degrees, your a/c runs up to 1/3 more than at 78 degrees!

Image Source: ShutterStock

• Lack Of Insulation Dramatically Increases Run-Time:

Today, the minimum depth of blown attic insulation in DFW is 14 inches — this equates to an R-Value of R-38. *

The maximum depth of attic insulation for DFW is nearly 20 inches, for  R-60. *

* SOURCE: U.S. Department of Energy.

NOTE: The energy savings from R-60 insulation value is not twice that of R-30 — as the effectiveness of each additional inch of insulation drops a little.

• Add a Foil Radiant Heat-Barrier.  

A foil radiant heat-barrier (stapled to the lumber on the underneath side of the roof) blocks up to 97% of the sun’s (radiant) heat from entering deeply into the attic.  The barrier is open at the top & bottom, so air can rise upward remove heat through the attic’s ventilation system.  The more deeply the sun’s heat enters the attic — the close to your rooms’ ceilings the heat reaches.  During summer in DFW — attic temperatures can reach as high as 160°F.  NOTE: The roof shingles color has a tremendous effect on how hot the attic gets.  Lighter color shingles don’t attract the sun’s heat as much as darker color.

Click Here To See A Foil Radiant-Heat Barrier Being Installed In An Attic: Foil Radiant-Heat Barrier Being Installed

Click Here To See The Effectivness Of A Foil Radiant-Heat Barrier:  Radiant-Heat Barrier Reduces Heat Gain By 60 Degrees.

This article was about air conditioners that use R-22 Refrigerant (often called freon).   Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, in Plano, Texas provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C is near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX and Frisco, Texas.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX and Denton County, TX with no additional travel charge

Al’s also provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.  Additionally, we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

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