You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your residence cool. This refrigerant is bound by environmental rules, since it contains chemicals.

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 Jefferson City, plus how these phaseouts have on influence on you.

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

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely contains Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner contains it by calling us at 573-635-3547. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your home. This sticker will have information on what kind of refrigerant your AC needs.

Freon, which is also called R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, banned 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 running fine, you can continue to keep it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling bills!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may lead to a problem if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be more expensive, as only limited levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Because it calls for a different pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the potential to contribute to global warming. As a result, it might also sometime be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?

In preparation of the phaseout, some companies have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming likelihood—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 sent on to you through your energy expenses.

Stieferman Heating Company Inc Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you need repairs. But as we discussed previously, refrigerant repairs can be pricier because of the reduced levels on hand.

In addition to that, your air conditioner usually breaks down at the worst time, often on the hottest day when we’re getting a lot of other appointments for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we advise installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and may even decrease your cooling expenses, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Stieferman Heating Company Inc offers many financing programs to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 573-635-3547 to start now with a free estimate.