You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner functions, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your residence cool. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental rules, as it contains chemicals.

Subject to when your air conditioner was installed, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in New Castle, as well as how these phaseouts have on influence on you.

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

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 724-401-1843. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will contain information on what kind of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be damaging to 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 manufacture and import in January 2020.

I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?

It differs. If your air conditioning is running fine, you can continue to run it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling costs!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may create difficulties if you need air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be higher-priced, because only reduced quantities of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the phaseout 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 healthy. Since it calls for a varying pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

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

What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?

In preparation of the end, some manufacturers have initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming likelihood—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy expenditure by about 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that could be sent on to you through your energy costs.

Central Heating & Plumbing Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In short, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you need repairs. But as we talked about previously, refrigerant-related repairs might be more expensive since there are the low amounts on hand.

In addition to that, your air conditioner typically malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the hottest day when we’re receiving many other appointments for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we advise upgrading to a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and might even reduce your electrical bills, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Central Heating & Plumbing has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 724-401-1843 to get started today with a free estimate.