How Does Air Conditioning Refrigerant Phaseout Affect Me?

You might not think often about how your air conditioner functions, but it needs 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 need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Warrenton, as well as how these phaseouts affect you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely uses Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner contains it by reaching us at 636-456-5041. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will include information on what model of refrigerant your AC uses.

Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its creation and import in January 2020.

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

It depends. If your air conditioning is running as designed, you can continue to keep it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling costs!

If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it might create an issue if you require air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be pricier, as only reduced amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the phaseout of R-22, many new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Because it needs a different pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to create global warming. As a consequence, it may also ultimately be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?

In preparation of the discontinuation, some manufacturers have initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming likelihood—around 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 cooling expenses.

Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you very much until you require repairs. But as we went over previously, refrigerant repairs may be more expensive since there are the low quantities that are accessible.

Aside from that, your air conditioner frequently malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the muggiest day when we’re getting many other requests for AC repair.

If your air conditioner requires a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a trouble-free summer and might even lower your utility costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning offers many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 636-456-5041 to start today with a free estimate.