Save Money and More with a New HVAC
The reduction in Freon use is vital to protecting the earth’s ecosystems and inhabitants. Due to restrictions imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the use of traditional refrigerant (R-22) is being phased out. The use of R-22 (Freon) has already been restricted to the service of existing units. By 2030, homeowners will be required to rely on recycled or stockpiled quantities of ozone-destroying HCFCs. Luckily, new synthetic refrigerants are now available, but R-410A is incompatible with older systems. This has led to several reasons that homeowners should consider having a new air conditioning system installed.
Protect your pocketbook.
EPA restrictions on the production and import of Freon is quickly driving costs upward. As of January 2020, R-22 will only be available from recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies. These available stores will be depleted as older HVAC systems are replaced and prices will rise. In less than 10 years the R-22 price per cylinder has ballooned by more than six times what it was. Not only that, but the energy efficiency of new units greatly outweigh their cost. Energy Star qualified systems offer even greater savings as they are reportedly 14 percent more efficient than other new units.
Protect the earth.
Located approximately 15 to 30 kilometers above the earth’s surface, the ozone layer protects life on earth by absorbing ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun. Without this protection, the chances of skin cancer, genetic damage, and immunosuppression in living beings are raised. It will also lead to reduced agricultural productivity. Freon is considered an ozone-destroying greenhouse gas with a global warming potential equalling more than 1800 times that of carbon dioxide. The possible effects of global warming may cause extreme weather and a rise in sea levels. These changes are expected to cause reduced diversity of ecosystems and the extinction of many species.
Between the rising costs and future depletion of Freon supplies, replacement of older heating and air conditioning systems will become financially necessary for homeowners. In addition, the overall well-being of the earth’s ecosystems and their inhabitants depends on the future transition from ozone-destroying effects of R-22 to more environmentally friendly refrigerants. When considering whether or not to replace that old HVAC, homeowners should consult a professional certified in their service, maintenance, and installation. This will protect the earth and
Have you recently made the decision to replace your home’s HVAC? Why did you make the switch?
