Big Changes in AC Refrigerants: How Patrick Riley | Isley’s Can Assist You

The air conditioning world is undergoing some major changes, and if you’re a homeowner with an older system, it’s important to stay informed. Recent regulations have led to a shift in refrigerants, meaning the options for keeping your AC running efficiently are evolving.

At Patrick Riley | Isley’s, we’re dedicated to helping our customers navigate these changes. That means providing the most up-to-date information on the topic.

In this blog, we’ll dive into:

• What’s changing with refrigerants and why
• What refrigerant your AC system might be using
• Why R-22 is still relevant for older systems
• What Patrick Riley | Isley’s is doing to help

Let’s start by looking at the refrigerant landscape and what it means for your home.

Pssst! Patrick Riley | Isley’s Has R-22. And It’s Available to Everyone!

Information is one thing, but we want to be truly helpful to homeowners in the Phoenix Valley. That’s why we’re officially releasing our stores of R-22 refrigerant to the general public to assist with repairs on older systems.

This stockpile was reserved for our warranty customers only–until now. If your system requires R-22, you can access this refrigerant until our stock runs out. It’s an ideal option for homeowners who aren’t ready to upgrade their entire AC system but need a repair.

Don’t wait—once this supply is gone, it’s gone for good!

The Changing Landscape of AC Refrigerants

As of January 1, 2025, new air conditioning systems will begin using different refrigerants—specifically R-32 and R-454B. These new refrigerants have a lower global warming potential (GWP), making them more eco-friendly and energy-efficient compared to older options like R-22 and R-410A.

The shift is part of an industry-wide movement to reduce environmental impact, following government regulations aimed at phasing out high-GWP refrigerants. It’s a good thing for the environment, but it also means older refrigerants will become harder to find and more expensive.

What does this mean for you? If your system runs on R-22 or R-410A, repairs could get pricey as these refrigerants become scarcer. However, with proper maintenance and planning, you can still keep your AC system running smoothly for years to come.

Does My AC Use R-22? How to Know

If you’re unsure whether your system uses R-22, you’re not alone. Many homeowners aren’t aware of what refrigerant is in their system, especially if it was installed over a decade ago.

Here are a few ways to find out:

• Age of the System: If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses R-22. AC systems manufactured after this date were typically built to use R-410A.
• Check the Label: Most air conditioning units have a label on the outdoor component that lists important information, including the type of refrigerant used. This label is usually located on the side of the unit or inside the service panel.
• Ask a Professional: If you can’t determine the refrigerant type on your own, give Patrick Riley | Isley’s a call. Our experts can quickly identify what refrigerant your system uses and help you decide the best path forward.

Why R-22 Is Still Relevant for Many Homeowners

Even though R-22 is being phased out, it remains a crucial part of keeping older air conditioning systems running. Homeowners with R-22 systems don’t necessarily need to rush into buying a new unit just because the refrigerant is harder to find. Instead, you can extend the life of your current AC with regular maintenance and by securing any needed R-22 while it’s still available.

Patrick Riley | Isley’s has been reserving R-22 for warranty customers for years, but now we’re making it available to everyone—until our stock runs out. If your system relies on R-22, this is a limited-time opportunity to access the refrigerant you need to keep your AC going.

Preparing for the Future of Refrigerants

While we’re proud to offer R-22 to our customers, it’s important to keep an eye on the future. Refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are becoming the new standard because they’re more energy-efficient and better for the environment. Over time, all new AC systems will be built to use these refrigerants.

However, upgrading to a new system isn’t always necessary right away. If your current AC is still running well, you can likely continue using it as long as it’s maintained. But it’s wise to start thinking ahead and planning for when a replacement will be needed. New systems in 2025 will come with a higher price tag, so it’s worth considering your options sooner rather than later.

Need R-22? Contact Patrick Riley | Isley’s Today!

With the changes coming in the HVAC industry, Patrick Riley | Isley's is dedicated to helping our customers navigate the transition. Whether you need R-22 to keep your system running or you’re ready to explore a more energy-efficient upgrade, our team is here to help.

Schedule your repair or get more information about our R-22 supply before it’s gone!