You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner works, but it needs refrigerant to keep your house cold. This refrigerant is subject to environmental rules, since it contains chemicals.

Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, 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 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 installed before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner contains it by calling us at 812-663-7252. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your residence. This sticker will contain information on what model of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be damaging to 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 creation and import in January 2020.

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

It differs. If your air conditioning is operating properly, you can continue to run it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to work around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that substituting 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 cause difficulties if you need air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, as only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.

With the end of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer strong. As it calls for a varying pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the potential to contribute to global warming. As a result, it could also sometime be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?

In preparation of the discontinuation, some companies have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming possibility—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy use by approximately 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that may be forwarded on to you through your energy bills.

Wallpe Heating & Cooling Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In short, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you a whole lot until you require repairs. But as we went over previously, repairs connected to refrigerant might be pricier since there are the reduced quantities that are accessible.

Not to mention, your air conditioner often breaks down at the worst time, frequently on the hottest day when we’re getting lots of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses a discontinued refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a trouble-free summer and might even decrease your cooling expenses, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Wallpe Heating & Cooling offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 812-663-7252 to start now with a free estimate.