You might not think often about how your air conditioner works, but it has to have refrigerant to keep your residence cool. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.
Based on when your air conditioner was put in, 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 Zelienople, in addition to how these phaseouts affect you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it possibly contains Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 724-425-5852. You can also check the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your residence. This sticker will include info on what type of refrigerant your AC uses.
Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 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, outlawed its manufacture and import in January 2020.
I Use an Air Conditioner with R-22. Do I Need to Get a New One?
It differs. If your air conditioning is working correctly, you can continue to keep it. With annual air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling expenses!
If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it could create difficulties if you require air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be higher-priced, because only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. Because it needs a different pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to contribute to global warming. As a consequence, it might also eventually be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some brands have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming likelihood—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy expenditure by approximately 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be forwarded on to you through your electrical expenses.
Knoechel Heating Company Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you very much until you have to have repairs. But as we reviewed beforehand, refrigerant repairs may be pricier since there are the restricted amounts on hand.
In addition to that, your air conditioner frequently malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the warmest day when we’re getting many other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner relies on a discontinued refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we recommend upgrading to a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a hassle-free summer and might even lower your cooling costs, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Knoechel Heating Company provides many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 724-425-5852 to begin right away with a free estimate.