You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your house cool. This refrigerant is bound by environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.
Subject to when your air conditioner was installed, it may require R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Boynton Beach, 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 probably contains Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner contains it by calling us at 561-270-6228. You can also check 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 has.
Freon, which is also known as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider Freon 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, barred its creation and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It varies. If your air conditioning is running correctly, you can continue to use it. With annual air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling expenses!
If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it can create a problem if you need air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be higher-priced, as only small levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the phaseout of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer healthy. As it calls for a varying pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to create global warming. As a consequence, it could also sometime be ended. Although it hasn’t been communicated 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 initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming potential—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy expenditure by around 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be passed on to you through your energy costs.
A2Z Air Inc Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you need repairs. But as we went over earlier, refrigerant repairs may be pricier because of the restricted levels available.
Aside from that, your air conditioner frequently breaks down at the worst time, often on the warmest day when we’re getting many other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we recommend installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a hassle-free summer and may even reduce your energy costs, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, A2Z Air Inc offers many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 561-270-6228 to get started right away with a free estimate.