R-22 Restrictions to Significantly Increase in 2015
The sun is setting on R-22. Cutbacks to how much of the refrigerant could be imported into the US were first mandated in 1989 and have increased considerably in recent years. As you’ve probably noticed, this limitation of supply has resulted in ever-increasing Freon prices.
The most recent requirements were for a 75% reduction in R-22 usage nationwide. The cutbacks will increase to a whopping 90% in 2015, raising prices significantly. The expected 99.5% cut in 2020 may essentially price everyone out of the market.
This does not impact the R-22 already in your refrigeration or HVAC systems, of course. But leaks are inevitable, so at some point you will need to buy more refrigerant to keep your systems running.
What can be Done?
R-407A is an excellent alternative for direct expansion systems. Conversions to R-407A are unique because they are one of the few retrofits that are just as efficient as the original R-22 system! In some cases, R-407A is more efficient due to the lower discharge temp and the elimination of demand cooling. It is also about 65% cheaper, a discount that will likely improve as R-22 becomes scarcer.
TDI Refrigeration has retrofitted many savvy facility owners’ and managers’ systems with R- 407A. First, the remaining R-22 in a system is removed and sold to a third party that will refine and re-sell it (depending on the purity of the recovered refrigerant). If the recovered refrigerant is able to be resold, you will receive the current buy-back value of the recovered refrigerant. TDI’s experienced technicians then change the oil to POE oil. The POE oil will not cause the seals to expand like AB or mineral oil, thus the seals will be replaced to prevent leaks. Finally, new R-407A is charged into the system and all expansion valves are set to the correct superheat.
Prices for R-22 are only going to increase. Consider making a long-term investment in your facility by switching to R-407A. Contact TDI Refrigeration today with questions or to request a free onsite evaluation.