You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner operates, but it needs refrigerant to keep your residence fresh. This refrigerant is bound by environmental rules, because of the chemicals it contains.
Based on when your air conditioner was put in, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Jefferson City, plus how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It No Longer Being Made?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 573-635-3547. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your home. This sticker will include details on what model of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, banned its production and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It depends. If your air conditioning is working as designed, you can continue to run it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling costs!
If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may create difficulties if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be pricier, because only limited amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.
With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer strong. Since it needs a different pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to contribute to global warming. As a consequence, it could also ultimately be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take the Place of R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some manufacturers have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming possibility—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy use by about 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that may be forwarded on to you through your electrical bills.
Stieferman Heating Company Inc Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you a whole lot until you require repairs. But as we discussed previously, repairs connected to refrigerant could be more expensive since there are the limited levels available.
Aside from that, your air conditioner usually malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the muggiest day when we’re receiving lots of other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires a discontinued refrigerant or is getting old, we recommend installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and could even reduce your utility expenses, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Stieferman Heating Company Inc offers many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 573-635-3547 to get started now with a free estimate.