You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner functions, but it needs refrigerant to keep your residence cold. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental rules, as it contains chemicals.
Depending on when your air conditioner was put in, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Branchville, plus how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It No Longer Being Made?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it possibly uses Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by contacting us at 862-345-6896. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your residence. This sticker will include info on what type of refrigerant your AC uses.
Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its manufacture and import in January 2020.
I Use an Air Conditioner with R-22. Do I Need to Get a New One?
It differs. If your air conditioning is cooling correctly, you can continue to run it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling costs!
If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it can cause a problem if you need air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be pricier, because only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the end of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Since it requires a varying pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to create global warming. As a consequence, it may also ultimately be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the discontinuation, some companies have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming likelihood—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy expenditure by approximately 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that may be sent on to you through your utility expenses.
Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you a whole lot until you have to have repairs. But as we discussed earlier, refrigerant repairs might be more costly due to the low levels on hand.
Not to mention, your air conditioner typically breaks down at the worst time, frequently on the hottest day when we’re experiencing a lot of other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and could even lower your electrical bills, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 862-345-6896 to start today with a free estimate.
