You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner functions, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your home fresh. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.
Subject to when your air conditioner was installed, 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 Jefferson, as well as how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it possibly has Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner has it by contacting us at 920-347-8495. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will contain info on what type of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also known as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, banned its production and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It varies. If your air conditioning is running properly, you can continue to use it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to work around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling expenses!
If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it can create a problem if you have to have air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be pricier, since only limited levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer healthy. Since it calls for a varying pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to create global warming. Because of that, it may also sometime be phased out. 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 end, some manufacturers have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming likelihood—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy use by around 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 costs.
Pratt Brothers Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you have to have repairs. But as we talked about previously, refrigerant repairs might be more expensive due to the restricted levels that are accessible.
Aside from that, your air conditioner typically malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the hottest day when we’re experiencing lots of other requests for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires an outdated refrigerant or is aging, we suggest installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a stress-free summer and can even reduce your electrical expenses, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Pratt Brothers has many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 920-347-8495 to start today with a free estimate.