You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner works, but it requires refrigerant to keep your house cold. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, 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 review the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Plover, as well as how these phaseouts impact 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 discover if your air conditioner has it by reaching us at 715-504-0533. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your house. This sticker will contain information on what model of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, banned 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 cooling correctly, you can continue to keep it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling costs!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it can cause difficulties if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be pricier, as only reduced amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

With the discontinuation of R-22, most new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer in good shape. As it calls for a different pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to contribute to global warming. As a result, it could also ultimately be phased out. Although it hasn’t been disclosed 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 companies have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming potential—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy expenditure by about 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 bills.

Point Heating & Cooling Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you a whole lot until you need repairs. But as we went over previously, refrigerant repairs might be pricier due to the reduced quantities that are accessible.

Aside from that, your air conditioner frequently stops working at the worst time, typically on the muggiest day when we’re receiving many other appointments for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on a phased out refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we suggest getting a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a trouble-free summer and can even decrease your utility expenses, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Point Heating & Cooling provides many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 715-504-0533 to begin now with a free estimate.