One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when their air conditioner breaks down is knowing who to trust.
Unlike a leaky faucet or a broken window, most HVAC problems can’t be seen. Homeowners have to rely on the technician standing in their living room to explain what’s wrong and what needs to happen next. That’s why misinformation can become so expensive.
At Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & AC, we believe one of our responsibilities is educating homeowners about what we’re seeing in the industry. While there are many honest HVAC companies doing great work, there are also sales tactics that every homeowner should recognize.
One of the most common misconceptions we’re hearing today involves R-22 refrigerant, often referred to as Freon. We’ve heard stories from homeowners who were told their air conditioner had to be replaced because “R-22 is illegal.” That statement simply isn’t accurate
Here’s what actually happened.
On January 1, 2020, the United States stopped producing and importing new (virgin) R-22 refrigerant as part of an environmental phase-out. However, it is still completely legal to own, service, maintain, and recharge an air conditioning system that uses R-22. Technicians can still legally purchase and use reclaimed or existing supplies of R-22 refrigerant to repair older systems.
So why the confusion?
R-22 has become significantly more expensive due to the limited supply. Depending on the repair, adding refrigerant to an older system can become costly, and in some situations replacing the equipment may genuinely be the better long-term investment.
The important distinction is this:
A replacement should be recommended because it makes financial sense—not because someone incorrectly tells you your refrigerant is illegal.
Every home and every HVAC system is different. A well-maintained older system may still have years of reliable life remaining, while another system with multiple costly repairs may be approaching the end of its lifespan. Those decisions should be based on facts, not fear.
When a technician recommends replacing your system, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Ask why the recommendation is being made.
- Ask whether the system can still be repaired.
- Ask what refrigerant your equipment uses and whether it’s still available.
- Most importantly, ask for a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.
An honest technician should welcome your questions and explain their findings in a way that helps you make an informed decision—NOT pressure you into making a rush decision based on partial facts. The HVAC industry is changing, and homeowners are being asked to make larger financial decisions than ever before. The best protection you have is education.
At Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & AC, we believe homeowners deserve transparency, clear communication, and honest recommendations. That’s why we’ll continue sharing what we’re seeing in the field and helping our community separate facts from fiction. An informed homeowner is much harder to take advantage of — and far better equipped to protect their home.
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