August 5, 2020
You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner operates, but it needs refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental laws, because of the chemicals it contains.
Subject to when your air conditioner was added to your home, 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 Franklin & South Indy, as well as how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely contains Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner uses it by calling us at 317-406-5382. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your residence. This sticker will include information on what kind 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 contributes to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, banned its manufacture and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It differs. If your air conditioning is cooling correctly, you can continue to use it. With annual air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to work around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling costs!
If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may create a problem if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be higher-priced, since only limited levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the end of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Since it needs an incompatible pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the potential to lead to global warming. As a consequence, it could also eventually be ended. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the discontinuation, some manufacturers have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming potential—approximately 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 might be passed on to you through your energy bills.
Winters Heating and Cooling Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you require repairs. But as we went over previously, refrigerant repairs may be more expensive because of the low amounts that are accessible.
Aside from that, your air conditioner usually malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the muggiest day when we’re receiving a lot of other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires an outdated refrigerant or is getting old, we recommend getting a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a stress-free summer and might even reduce your energy expenses, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Winters Heating and Cooling offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 317-406-5382 to start right away with a free estimate.