You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner functions, but it needs refrigerant to keep your residence fresh. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, as 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 discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Big Spring, plus how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably contains Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 432-203-4881. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will include info on what kind of refrigerant your AC has.
Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls 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 AC to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling bills!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it might lead to an issue if you have to have air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could 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 have Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer strong. Because it requires a different pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to contribute to global warming. As a result, it may also ultimately be discontinued. 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 started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming potential—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy consumption by approximately 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 expenses.
SKC AC LLC Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you require repairs. But as we discussed earlier, repairs connected to refrigerant might be more costly due to the reduced amounts available.
In addition to that, your air conditioner usually stops working at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re getting many other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner relies on a discontinued refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we suggest installing a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a trouble-free summer and may even lower your cooling bills, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, SKC AC LLC offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 432-203-4881 to get started today with a free estimate.