Starting January 1, 2010, a new EPA mandate will change the maintenance, repair and warranty options on your home air conditioner. At that time, manufacturing HVAC equipment that primarily utilizes Freon® (also known as R-22 and HCFC-22) will be banned, and the nation will begin using products such as Puron® (also known as R-410A) as the standard refrigerant for air conditioners. Read all about the changes—and how they'll affect you—here.
Question
Will the manufacturer's warranty on my existing R-22 equipment provide any coverage for replacement with R-410A equipment?
Answer
It depends on the individual equipment manufacturer. You or your HVAC contractor will need to contact the manufacturer to find out.
Question
If my R-22 HVAC system breaks down, can it be repaired?
Answer
It depends on the extent of the repair required. Certain parts such as fan motors, blower motors and capacitors can typically be used on either an R-22 or R-410A system. Other major components such as air handlers, condenser coils and compressors may be unique to either R-22 systems or R-410A systems. If major system components are unavailable to repair an R-22 system, you may have to replace the entire system.
Question
Will R-22 HVAC system parts be available?
Answer
In some cases, parts will be available. Manufacturers are not required to stop producing R-22 replacement parts, and some of the parts that are installed on R-410A systems are the same parts that were being installed on R-22 systems. Manufacturers cannot produce entire R-22 systems after January 1, 2010. It is generally expected that the inventory of major components for R-22 systems will decline rapidly and be in short supply after the first quarter of 2010.
Question
How do I know if I have an R-22 system?
Answer
Most systems produced in the last fifteen years use R-22 refrigerant. Over the last several years, manufacturers have also produced and sold systems using R-410A. To determine what refrigerant your system uses, see the product specification sheet or manufacturer's data plate on the outdoor air conditioning/heat pump unit. Or contact the manufacturer.
Question
How will the new regulations impact the length of time it takes to make a repair?
Answer
It may take more time to make a determination of the necessary repair. It may also take more time to find repair parts as they become less available.
Question
Will a system and appliance home service contract/ warranty cover the cost associated with R-410A?
Answer
Most system and appliance home service contracts/ warranties contain language that effectively excludes the additional costs resulting from this government-mandated change. However, each home service contract provider may deal with this situation differently.
Question
How will Home Buyers Resale Warranty Corporation address the transition to R-410A systems?
Answer
For a limited time, current HBRWC contract-holders will be able to purchase an optional upgrade to cover the cost of a system replacement when necessitated by the unavailability of equipment. Refer to the contract for specific coverage, terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and service fees. Until new contracts are issued, the option will also be made available to new warranty clients.
Question
I am currently covered by another warranty company, how can I upgrade to a Home Buyers Resale Warranty Corporation (HBRWC) contract with R-410A coverage?
Answer
With proof of continuous coverage, you can easily switch to an HBRWC warranty at your renewal date. Call 1-800-743-4210 for more information.