In January of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that R22, or freon, was to be phased out of the HVAC industry due to its harmful effects on the earth’s ozone layer and its global warming potential. An integral part of most air conditioning systems, many companies in the refrigeration business immediately started increasing their prices to prepare for the inevitable need for the newly phased-out product. Fast forward to today, and there are very few air- conditioning companies that can operate on an air conditioner that uses R22 for a reasonable price. Fortunately, Smylie One Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is one such company. As one of the most respected HVAC companies in Northeast, Ohio, our technicians can offer solutions for the R22 phase out.

What is R-22, And How Does It Affect Global Warming

R22 is a compound that comes from the combination of chlorofluorocarbons discovered in the early 1900s. Scientifically, R22 is referred to as a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, and it is really modern man’s first foray into safe and sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning. It’s this product that allows air conditioning units to get cold, and it has been the industry standard ingredient for refrigeration systems practically since it was first introduced. When you think of freon or refrigerant, it’s almost always R22 refrigerant that you’re thinking of. Without it, the air conditioner as we know it probably wouldn’t exist– and things definitely wouldn’t get as cold.

For the EPA, the problem with R22 stems from the chlorine it produces when activated. For years, the chlorine has been depleting the Earth’s ozone layer– contributing to gradual increases in temperature, or, as we know it, global warming. Air conditioners that use R22 add chlorine to the air. Once in the air as a vapor, the chlorine enters the earth’s stratosphere, reacts with the sun’s UV rays, and becomes highly reactive, binding with atoms in the ozone layer, and damaging it little by little.

The Montreal Protocol

In the late nineties, laws were introduced to slowly phase out chemicals that were ozone depleting. R22 and its variants, like R410a, R134a, and more were among those chemicals. 2020 was the year in which all of these chemicals stop being produced. By 2030, the chemicals will effectively be banned.

The protocol was put in place to protect the environment, but it does leave many homeowners and business owners with R22 refrigeration systems in a lurch. With prices rising almost every day for a chemical that’s soon to be banned, the only options seem to include getting new air conditioning units or shelling out big bucks on costly air conditioning repair. Fortunately, our team at Smylie One Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has a solution.

Smylie One’s Answers To The R-22 Phase Out

We’re passionate about our environment, but we’re just as passionate about our customers. We understand that most folks have no idea what’s in their AC units, and we know the chemicals aren’t their fault. The EPA is allowing qualified air conditioning repair teams to use reclaimed and recycled refrigerants in repairing units that have not been retrofit with parts compatible with R22 substitutes. While the prices for these original refrigerants are higher than they used to be, we’re still providing top tier, affordable service for Northeast Ohio residents and businesses. The way we see it, you rely on your HVAC system (and, more specifically, your AC unit) to keep you cozy and comfortable. That’s why we’ll never overcharge when servicing your home or business, no matter what the going rate for R22 is. You can count on us for honest, reliable AC work that gets the job done, without breaking your bank.

We don’t want to deplete the ozone layer, and we’re sure you don’t either. That’s why we’ll work with you to help you take the right steps to comply with the new R22 parameters.

Cost-wise, it will be more efficient for you to purchase a new AC unit that utilizes a different refrigerant if your unit currently uses R22. If you’re not sure what your unit uses (and most people aren’t), we’ll be more than happy to help you determine it. While other companies will simply recommend you use a different refrigerant for your refrigeration system, we strongly warn against this, as the wrong refrigerant in your system will quickly lead to a breakdown and loss of cooling capacity. We work with a number of vendors that provide us with the very best HVAC installation parts and brands.  This allows us to easily and conveniently perform HVAC replacements that are affordable and we also offer low monthly payment plans through Wells Fargo to qualified applicants.

Get started with our affordable solutions to the R22 phase out today!

Doing your part to slow down ozone depletion by eliminating greenhouse gases from your air conditioning unit is a tall task to fill alone. Along with the fact that most homeowners and business owners can’t just buy R22 and other refrigerants from the store, it truly does take a qualified technician to help you avoid mistakes that can lead to astronomical prices and even bigger headaches. The Smylie One HVAC Team is well equipped to help you repair or replace refrigeration equipment with ease. We’re knowledgeable, experienced, and affordable– and we’ll get the job done right, the first time. Contact us today to see how we can help you. We look forward to hearing from you!

For R-22 Systems that have less then 2lbs of Refrigerant Loss

Smylie One has taken a proactive stance and has decided to follow the “protect the environment” mantra, and NOT to offer R-22 “fill ups” due to its high price and its negative effect on the atmosphere. With that in mind we have made an investment in R-22 PRO CHARGE Refrigerant Dye and Sealant. This kit, includes everything that is necessary to top off a R-22 system with under 2lbs of a leak. The cost of the kit is non-refundable and cannot be deducted from the cost of a new system installation. There are no crystal balls when it comes to a leaky system, and Smylie One cannot predict, or guarantee that this product will repair your leak. This solution can last one day, one week, or an entire season. We just do not know. 

The Cost of Using The PRO CHARGE Refrigerant Dye and Sealant

For systems that are under 2lbs of a refrigerant leak we will charge the following:
Plan Customers: $495 and Non Plan Customers: $570

Please Remember that this investment is NOT GUARANTEED! If you are looking for high efficiency equipment solutions Smylie One can help. We offer many Bryant Cooling models that will not only save you money on your energy bills, but will provide you with outstanding efficiencies, warranties, and most importantly comfort for you and your family. So give us a call today 440-449-4328 or visit us on the web at www.smylieone.com