Does your home have air conditioning units that are 10 years of age or older and use AC refrigerant called R-22, also commonly called Freon? R-22 was introduced in the 1950s and became the leading AC refrigerant in the residential heating and cooling industry. Refrigerant in your air conditioning unit is the fluid that flows inside of the coils in your equipment. With the help of your system’s compressor, condenser, and evaporator, various pressures are imposed on the refrigerant causing it to transform physically between liquid and gas states. This physical change makes the substance either hot or cold. As its pressure changes, it readily absorbs or gives off heat to the air passing over the coils, changing the temperature of that air. Eventually, this comfortable cooled air makes living in the south during the summer much more enjoyable inside of your home.

In 2003, the phase out of R22 production and imports began. By early 2010 the production and import of R22 became prohibited due to its effect on the ozone layer. The ban on R22 does not require you to replace a functioning air conditioning system, however you may need to evaluate your options if your air conditioning system fails or requires service. You may want to consider contacting Memphis Air Conditioning and Heating to inquire about a new system that runs on the new generation of coolant R410.