You might not think much about how your air conditioner functions, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your home fresh. This refrigerant is controlled 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 Manassas, in addition to how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It No Longer Being Made?
If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it probably uses Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by contacting us at 703-278-2036. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will contain details on what model of refrigerant your AC uses.
Freon, which is also known as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that contributes to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its creation and import in January 2020.
Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?
It varies. If your air conditioning is cooling properly, you can continue to use it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling costs!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it may cause difficulties if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be pricier, since only limited quantities of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the end of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Because it calls for a varying pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to contribute to global warming. As a result, it might also sometime be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some brands have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming likelihood—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy use by around 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 costs.
Woody's Sudden Service Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you have to have repairs. But as we discussed previously, refrigerant-related repairs can be more costly since there are the reduced quantities on hand.
In addition to that, your air conditioner frequently malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the muggiest day when we’re receiving many other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is aging, we advise getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a trouble-free summer and may even decrease your cooling expenses, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Woody's Sudden Service has many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 703-278-2036 to start today with a free estimate.