You might not think much about how your air conditioner operates, but it needs refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental rules, because of the chemicals it contains.
Depending on when your air conditioner was put in, it may require R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Circleville, in addition to how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 740-474-5940. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your house. This sticker will have information on what model of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, banned its creation and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It differs. If your air conditioning is running as designed, you can continue to use it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling bills!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it can lead to difficulties if you need air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be higher-priced, as only small levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer in good shape. As it needs a varying pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the potential to lead to global warming. As a consequence, it could also eventually be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some companies have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming possibility—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy expenditure by around 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be forwarded on to you through your cooling expenses.
Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you a whole lot until you require repairs. But as we talked about beforehand, refrigerant-related repairs might be more costly due to the restricted amounts on hand.
Not to mention, your air conditioner typically malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the hottest day when we’re getting lots of other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires an outdated refrigerant or is aging, we suggest installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a trouble-free summer and might even lower your cooling bills, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling provides many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 740-474-5940 to get started now with a free estimate.