You might not think much about how your air conditioner operates, but it requires refrigerant to keep your house fresh. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, because of the chemicals it contains.
Based on when your air conditioner was added to your home, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll review the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, plus how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely contains Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner uses it by calling us at 715-352-4052. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your residence. This sticker will have info on what kind of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also called R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, barred 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 keep it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that removing 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 lead to difficulties if you require air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be pricier, as only limited amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the discontinuation of R-22, most new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. As it calls for an incompatible pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the potential to contribute to global warming. Because of that, it could also eventually be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take the Place of R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some brands have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming likelihood—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy expenditure by about 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that could be forwarded on to you through your utility expenses.
Halverson Brothers Inc Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you require repairs. But as we went over previously, repairs connected to refrigerant can be pricier because of the reduced levels on hand.
In addition to that, your air conditioner usually breaks down at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re experiencing a lot of other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires a discontinued refrigerant or is getting old, we advise installing a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and could even lower your utility bills, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Halverson Brothers Inc provides many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 715-352-4052 to begin now with a free estimate.
