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R-22, what is commonly referred to as Freon, is one of the gases used to “charge” an air conditioner. In 2004 the Environmental Protection Agency announced a phasedown schedule on production and distribution of this ozone-depleting chemical.
As R-22 is phased out, it’s price has increased due to lack of availability, increased regulations and increased demand.
Because R-22 was found to release hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), a new substance is used in air conditioning systems manufactured after 2007, R-410A. This chemical is better for the environment and more efficient in heat pump and air conditioning systems, saving homeowners money.
There is a lot of misinformation out about R-22 but the truth is, because the EPA is phasing it out, it is VERY expensive right now. Some companies may be reclaiming it from old systems, and reselling it at a comparatively low cost – a process which is unethical and possibly catastrophic to equipment due to contaminates in recovered refrigerant.

Homeowners have choices

You can still recharge your old system with R-22, Home Comfort Experts has a limited supply, but it is costly.
You can have R-22 removed and a substitute refrigerant added, though these are neither as efficient as R-22 or R-410A. Ask your Home Comfort Expert to explain.
Homeowners can update their entire system with R-410A compatible equipment. Newer equipment saves money over the long-term.
Please call Home Comfort Experts to discuss the age and type of system you own

We have camera-ready HVAC experts available to interview in studio or at headquarters about heat-related topics or call to schedule a ride-along as one of our technicians performs required annual maintenance on an area home AC.

Home Comfort Experts is a plumbing, heating and cooling company serving residential homes throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest, Michigan. It is locally owned and operated and emphasizes employee training of nearly 200 additional hours each year. All technicians are drug and background tested and expected to perform at above-standard levels, leaving homes clean and customers informed. Additionally, Home and its subsidiary Jones Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Plymouth, Ind., offer financing to make the purchase of an efficient system affordable for the families we serve.