A quick question. I am a homeowner in NJ. I've been told by my heater repairperson that my AC will need to be replaced in 2010 as the refrigerant it uses, R22, will no longer be available from Jan 2010. A friend of mine tells me that R22 would still be available until 2020 and the ban refers to the fact that no new units could be fitted using R22. If the latter is the case and R22 remains available at a reasonable price for a few more years, then it would make no sense for me to replace the unit as I need to move within 2 years. Could you please clarify the above matter? Thanks in advance for any advice.

A friend of mine tells me that R22 would still be available until 2020 and the ban refers to the fact that no new units could be fitted using R22.

The above is closer to the truth than the repair person that is trying to scare you into buying a new unit.Keep the old one since it will probably last another two years and save your money.

Thanks.

No problem. I hate to see some of the HVAC companys do this kind of stuff.

And besides that,, they don`t use up or wear out the refrigerant, unless you have a leak,, the r-22 will outlast the unit

They will stop manufacturing r22 units as of 2010, and stop manufacturing r22 refrigerant as of 2020. There will be plenty of r22 long after 2020, but it will cost quite a bit. So I say stick with your unit, as long as its working fine. I have heard nothing about it being illegal to install 22 units after 2010. If you have one on hand(can find one), I believe it would be perfectly legal to install it. Think of it as a car(or anything) that was discontinued). Just because they don't make the car any more, you can still finds parts for it.

And personally I would stop using that company if they will go that far, I would not trust them for the rest of my repairs either

R22 will still be available long after 2020 because at this time is is being reclaimed and made ready for reuse.

As far as price 401a is as expensive as R22 now and I think it will soon out cost 22.

But if I were buying a new unit I would buy one that uses 410a.