You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner operates, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your house cold. This refrigerant is bound by environmental laws, as it contains chemicals.
Subject to when your air conditioner was installed, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Mount Hope, as well as how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely uses Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner contains it by calling us at 304-707-0600. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your home. This sticker will have details on what type of refrigerant your AC has.
Freon, which is also called R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer and one that contributes to 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 differs. 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 reports that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling expenses!
If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may cause an issue if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be higher-priced, as only reduced amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the phaseout of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer healthy. As it requires a varying pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to lead to global warming. As a result, it could also eventually be ended. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the end, some companies have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming potential—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy expenditure by about 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.
Appalachian Heating Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you have to have repairs. But as we discussed beforehand, repairs connected to refrigerant can be more expensive because of the restricted quantities available.
Not to mention, your air conditioner frequently malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re experiencing lots of other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner relies on a phased out refrigerant or is aging, we advise installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and could even reduce your cooling expenses, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Appalachian Heating has many financing programs to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 304-707-0600 to get started now with a free estimate.