Which Air Conditioning Refrigerants Are Being Phased Out?

You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner functions, but it needs refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, as it contains chemicals.

Subject to 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 Rock Hill, in addition to how these phaseouts affect you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably uses Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 803-220-0761. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your home. This sticker will have details on what model of refrigerant your AC needs.

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 governs refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its production and import in January 2020.

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

It varies. If your air conditioning is operating correctly, you can continue to run it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling costs!

If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it might lead to an issue if you require air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be higher-priced, because only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.

With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer strong. As it requires a different 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. As a consequence, it may also eventually be phased out. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take the Place of R-410A?

In preparation of the discontinuation, some companies have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming possibility—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy expenditure 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.

US Air Heating and Cooling Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you need repairs. But as we went over previously, refrigerant repairs may be pricier because of the low levels that are accessible.

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

If your air conditioner uses an outdated refrigerant or is aging, we advise upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and could even lower your cooling costs, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, US Air Heating and Cooling has many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 803-220-0761 to begin now with a free estimate.