If you purchased your AC system prior to 2010, most likely it was built with R-22 refrigerant, more commonly known as Freon. Freon, you see, has been scientifically proven to deplete the earth’s ozone layer. And January 2020 marked the end of all production and import of Freon into the U.S.

If your central AC unit was manufactured in 2015 or later, you’re in the clear. December 2014 was the last manufacture date of any air conditioners that use Freon. After that time, all new units were manufactured to use a replacement refrigerant, most commonly R-410A. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started phasing down the manufacture and importation of R-410a in 2023 due to its high global warming potential and harm it poses to the environment should it leak from a cooling system.

What does this mean for you?

Now is a Great Time to Replace Your Older AC System

If your older AC system still runs on Freon, you have two basic choices:

• Hang onto it until it can run no more and hope you don’t need a Freon recharge or leak repair.
• Or, you can replace it now, avoid the hassle, and enjoy a great deal of added peace of mind.

Don’t Need a New System?

Even if your R-410A-refrigerated AC system is brand new, we still recommend annual AC preventive maintenance.  So does the manufacturer. Many, in fact, will void your warranty unless annual service is performed by a licensed HVAC contractor.

Contact us today if you have questions about how the Freon ban and R-410A phase out might impact you. And, as always, thank you for choosing C&D Cooling & Heating for your indoor comfort needs.