You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner operates, but it needs refrigerant to keep your residence fresh. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.
Based on when your air conditioner was put in, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll review the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Heflin, plus how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It Discontinued?
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably contains Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 256-270-1196. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your residence. This sticker will have details on what kind of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, barred 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 working correctly, you can continue to use it. With annual air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling expenses!
If you keep your air conditioner, it can lead to difficulties if you require air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be more expensive, as only reduced quantities of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the end of R-22, most new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. Since it calls for a different pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to create global warming. Because of that, it may also sometime be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some companies have initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming likelihood—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers 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 costs.
Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you a whole lot until you need repairs. But as we reviewed beforehand, refrigerant-related repairs may be more costly due to the restricted quantities on hand.
In addition to that, your air conditioner often stops working at the worst time, frequently on the muggiest day when we’re getting many other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires a phased out refrigerant or is aging, we recommend getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and might even lower your energy bills, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 256-270-1196 to start now with a free estimate.