You might not think much about how your air conditioner works, but it needs refrigerant to keep your home cold. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.
Depending on when your air conditioner was put in, it may require R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Alice, in addition to how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely uses Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by reaching us at 361-265-4371. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your home. This sticker will include information on what model of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, banned its production and import in January 2020.
Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?
It depends. If your air conditioning is running correctly, you can continue to run it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling costs!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it may create a problem if you need air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, because only reduced quantities 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 healthy. Because it calls for a varying pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to create global warming. As a consequence, it might also eventually be ended. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the end, some manufacturers have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming likelihood—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy use by approximately 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that could be passed on to you through your energy expenses.
Rescue Heating & Air Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you require repairs. But as we went over previously, repairs connected to refrigerant can be pricier because of the reduced levels available.
In addition to that, your air conditioner frequently breaks down at the worst time, often on the muggiest day when we’re receiving lots of other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner relies on a discontinued refrigerant or is aging, we advise getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a hassle-free summer and might even lower your utility bills, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Rescue Heating & Air has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 361-265-4371 to begin now with a free estimate.