You might not think much about how your air conditioner functions, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, because of the chemicals it contains.
Subject to when your air conditioner was added to your home, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Rockford, as well as 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 possibly has Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner has it by reaching us at (815)914-6197. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your home. This sticker will have info on what model of refrigerant your AC has.
Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its manufacture and import in January 2020.
Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?
It differs. If your air conditioning is working properly, you can continue to use it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling costs!
If you keep your air conditioner, it can lead to a problem if you need air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, since only reduced quantities of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the end of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer healthy. Because it needs a varying pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the potential to create global warming. As a consequence, it might also sometime be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some companies have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming possibility—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy use by around 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that may be passed on to you through your utility costs.
Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you need repairs. But as we discussed earlier, repairs connected to refrigerant can be pricier due to the low levels on hand.
In addition to that, your air conditioner typically stops working at the worst time, frequently on the hottest day when we’re receiving a lot of other requests for AC repair.
If your air conditioner relies on an outdated refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a trouble-free summer and could even decrease your electrical costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc has many financing programs to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at (815)914-6197 to get started now with a free estimate.