You might not think much about how your air conditioner functions, but it requires refrigerant to keep your residence cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.
Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll review the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Magnolia, as well as how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It Discontinued?
If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it probably contains Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner contains it by contacting us at 281-231-8768. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your house. This sticker will include info on what type of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also known as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that contributes to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates refrigerants in the United States, barred its production and import in January 2020.
Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?
It varies. If your air conditioning is operating properly, you can continue to run it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling expenses!
If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it could lead to difficulties if you have to have air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be pricier, as only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. As it requires a different pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to create global warming. As a consequence, it may also sometime be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the end, some companies have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming possibility—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy expenditure by approximately 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be sent on to you through your electrical expenses.
JTech Mechanical Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you very much until you need repairs. But as we went over previously, refrigerant repairs may be pricier since there are the limited amounts available.
In addition to that, your air conditioner usually breaks down at the worst time, frequently on the muggiest day when we’re experiencing many other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner relies on an outdated refrigerant or is getting old, we recommend upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a trouble-free summer and may even decrease your energy costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, JTech Mechanical offers many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 281-231-8768 to get started today with a free estimate.