You might not think much about how your air conditioner functions, but it requires refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is bound by environmental laws, since it contains chemicals.
Depending on when your air conditioner was put in, 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 Libertyville, plus how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner uses it by calling us at 847-362-0262. You can also check the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your house. This sticker will contain details on what model of refrigerant your AC has.
Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts 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 keep it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to work around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling costs!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it can lead to a problem if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, because only reduced amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.
With the phaseout of R-22, most new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer in good shape. As it requires an incompatible pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to lead to global warming. Because of that, it could also eventually be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the discontinuation, some brands have begun 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 decreases energy expenditure by about 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 utility bills.
TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you a whole lot until you require repairs. But as we talked about beforehand, refrigerant repairs may be more expensive due to the reduced amounts available.
Aside from that, your air conditioner frequently needs repair at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re receiving a lot of other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner relies on a phased out refrigerant or is aging, we suggest getting an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and can even lower your electrical bills, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical provides many financing options to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 847-362-0262 to start today with a free estimate.