How Does Air Conditioning Refrigerant Phaseout Affect Me?

You might not think much about how your air conditioner operates, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your residence cold. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental laws, as it contains chemicals.

Based on when your air conditioner was installed, it may require R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Libertyville, as well as how these phaseouts affect you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?

If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it possibly uses Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner contains it by reaching us at 847-362-0262. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your house. This sticker will have information on what model of refrigerant your AC uses.

Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, barred 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 operating fine, you can continue to run it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to work around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling costs!

If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it may create a problem if you need air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be pricier, because only small quantities of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.

With the end of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. Since it calls for 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. Because of that, it could also eventually be phased out. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?

In preparation of the end, some companies 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 may be sent on to you through your utility bills.

TopTec Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you very much until you require repairs. But as we discussed previously, refrigerant-related repairs may be more expensive since there are the reduced amounts that are accessible.

In addition to that, your air conditioner usually stops working at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re experiencing a lot of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner requires a phased out refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we suggest getting an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a stress-free summer and could even lower your cooling costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, TopTec provides many financing options to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 847-362-0262 to get started today with a free estimate.