You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner operates, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your house fresh. This refrigerant is bound by environmental rules, because of the chemicals it contains.
Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Greensburg, in addition to how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably has Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 812-663-7252. You can also check the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will contain details on what model of refrigerant your AC uses.
Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be harmful to 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 creation and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It varies. If your air conditioning is operating correctly, you can continue to keep it. With annual air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning 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 yearly cooling expenses!
If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it might cause difficulties if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be higher-priced, since only small quantities of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.
With the end of R-22, most new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer healthy. As it requires a different pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to lead to global warming. As a result, it might also ultimately be ended. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the end, some brands have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming potential—about 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 might be sent on to you through your utility bills.
Wallpe Heating & Cooling Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you a whole lot until you require repairs. But as we reviewed previously, repairs connected to refrigerant may be more costly because of the reduced amounts available.
Not to mention, your air conditioner usually stops working at the worst time, typically on the warmest day when we’re experiencing many other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we recommend getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and might even lower your utility costs, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Wallpe Heating & Cooling offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 812-663-7252 to start now with a free estimate.