You might not think often about how your air conditioner functions, but it requires refrigerant to keep your residence fresh. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental rules, because of the chemicals it contains.
Subject to when your air conditioner was installed, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Manassas, as well as how these phaseouts affect you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner has it by contacting us at 703-278-2036. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will include details on what type of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also known as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 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, outlawed its production and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It depends. If your air conditioning is running as designed, you can continue to use it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to work 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 costs!
If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it might lead to an issue if you need air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be higher-priced, since only reduced amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Because it needs a varying 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 may also ultimately be phased out. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the discontinuation, some brands have initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming likelihood—approximately 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 could be forwarded on to you through your utility expenses.
Woody's Sudden Service Inc Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you a whole lot until you need repairs. But as we mentioned beforehand, refrigerant-related repairs can be more expensive because of the low amounts that are accessible.
Not to mention, your air conditioner frequently needs repair at the worst time, often on the warmest day when we’re experiencing lots of other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires an outdated refrigerant or is getting old, we advise upgrading to a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and can even reduce your cooling expenses, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Woody's Sudden Service Inc provides many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 703-278-2036 to begin right away with a free estimate.