You might not think much about how your air conditioner works, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your house cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental laws, as it contains chemicals.
Subject to when your air conditioner was added to your home, 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 Siloam Springs, plus how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it possibly has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner contains it by contacting us at 479-308-8176. 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 type of refrigerant your AC uses.
Freon, which is also called R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer and one that leads to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, barred its manufacture and import in January 2020.
Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?
It varies. If your air conditioning is operating correctly, you can continue to keep it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling costs!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it can create a problem if you require air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be more expensive, as only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.
With the phaseout of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer healthy. Because it requires a varying pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the potential to contribute to global warming. Because of that, it could also sometime be phased out. 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 started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming possibility—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy expenditure by about 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be forwarded on to you through your energy expenses.
Siloam Springs Heating & AC Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you require repairs. But as we discussed earlier, refrigerant repairs may be pricier due to the low levels available.
Aside from that, your air conditioner typically malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re getting many other requests for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires a phased out refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we advise getting an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a stress-free summer and could even lower your utility bills, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Siloam Springs Heating & AC provides many financing options to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 479-308-8176 to get started now with a free estimate.
