George Brazil Still Has R‑22 Refrigerant—Here’s What That Means for You
As refrigerant regulations continue to evolve, many homeowners with older air conditioning systems may be wondering what these changes mean for them.
After all, a lot has changed in the last couple of decades. The big change taking place right now is the phase-out from R-410A to R-32 and R-454B. And while homeowners with R-410A systems should at least keep that transition in mind, a larger issue is arising with homeowners with even older systems—systems that run on R-22 refrigerant.
If your AC system has been around for over 14 years, it likely uses R-22. This type of refrigerant is becoming increasingly difficult to find due to environmental regulations.
At George Brazil, we understand how challenging it can be to keep up with these changes. Add to that the stress of having no other avenue beyond a replacement, and this becomes a real problem for many homeowners. The bottom line: we are here to help, and this blog is just the start.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
We’ll also tip you off to a major development with R-22, namely that we have it in stock right now for customers throughout the Valley. It’s available until it’s gone, so if you need it, don’t delay in booking your repair with George Brazil!
Good News: George Brazil Has R-22!
For years, the team at George Brazil has maintained one of the largest stockpiles of R-22 in the Valley, making it exclusive to our warranty customers.
Now, we’re opening that stockpile to the general public.
Our R-22 is available to everyone until it’s gone. And now that the secret is out, it’s hard to say how long that could be. If your system currently uses R-22, it’s best to call us as soon as possible about filling up. Because once it’s gone, it’s gone!
The Evolution of Refrigerants
Over the decades, the HVAC industry has seen significant changes in the types of refrigerants used in cooling systems.
Here’s a quick overview:
- R-22: Introduced in the 1930s, R-22 became the standard refrigerant for home air conditioning systems. However, due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer, production was phased out starting in 2003, with a full ban on its manufacturing in 2010.
- R-410A: As R-22 was phased out, R-410A became the new standard. It’s more environmentally friendly, but like its predecessor, R-410A is now being phased out due to its high global warming potential (GWP).
- R-32 and R-454B: Looking ahead, the HVAC industry is shifting towards R-32 and R-454B refrigerants, which are set to become the new standards starting in 2025. These refrigerants are more energy-efficient and have a lower GWP, but they come with higher costs and are relatively untested on a large scale.
Why R-22 Still Matters
Despite being phased out, R-22 still plays a crucial role for many homeowners.
"There are still a lot of customers that are in love with the old stuff,” said Justin Stevens, Director of Field Operations for George Brazil. “Our dispatchers get calls daily from customers asking if we actually carry R-22, because no one has it anymore. It’s that rare."
As R-22 becomes scarcer, the cost has naturally risen. While repairs involving R-22 are more expensive, they provide a valuable alternative to immediately replacing an entire system, which many homeowners may not be ready for.
Enter George Brazil. Unlike so many other companies in the Valley, George Brazil has maintained a stockpile of true R-22 refrigerant. “Originally, we were reserving this for our warranty customers,” said Stevens, but now we’re opening it up to anyone who still needs it.”
However, Stevens added that this supply won’t last forever. “It’s available for everyone until it’s gone,” he said. “I would assume that'll take a year, maybe two, max."
"We really want our customers with older systems to have options here," said Stevens. "We don't want them to feel forced to buy a new system now whether they're ready for it or not. The repair will cost more simply because R-22 cannot be produced anymore. But at least they have the option to repair, and that matters."
How to Determine What Refrigerant Your AC System Uses
If you’re unsure whether your system uses R-22, there are a few ways to find out:
- Check the Age of Your System: If your AC system is over 14 years old, it’s possible it uses R-22. Systems installed before 2010 are more likely to rely on this now-phased-out refrigerant.
- Look at the Unit’s Label: Most AC units have a label or nameplate that provides information about the type of refrigerant used. This label is typically located on the outdoor unit, often on the data tag on the outside of the panel. If the system is older and the label is faded, you might need a professional to help identify it.
- Call a Professional: If you’re still unsure, the safest bet is to call a professional from George Brazil. We can quickly determine what type of refrigerant your system uses and advise you on the best course of action.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the Transition
While our stockpile of R-22 gives homeowners some breathing room, it’s important to start planning for the future. The new refrigerants, R-32 and R-454B, will soon become the industry standard. Eventually, investing in a new system will be necessary.
But don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through these changes and help you maintain your older system along the way.
Need R-22 Refrigerant? George Brazil Can Help!
As the industry shifts to address new regulations, George Brazil remains committed to ensuring our customers have the best options available. Whether you need to top off your R-22 system, or you’re beginning to plan for a future upgrade, our team is here to help.
Contact George Brazil today to learn more about how we can assist with your R-22 system and explore your options for the future.
Justin Stevens is a 17-year veteran of the trades and one of the masterminds behind George Brazil’s world-class training lab for technical expertise and sales training. Justin has held several titles during his tenure at George Brazil ranging from Lead Installer and Installation Manager to QA Manager and Field Operations Manager. Today, Justin is the Director of Field Operations and plays a pivotal role overseeing all of George Brazil’s field departments.