Are Air Conditioning Refrigerants Being Phased Out?

You might not think often about how your air conditioner works, but it needs refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental rules, since it contains chemicals.

Depending on when your air conditioner was installed, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll review the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Port St. Lucie, in addition to 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 discover if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 772-247-2283. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your house. This sticker will contain info on what kind of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also known as R-22, contains 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 manages refrigerants in the United States, banned its creation and import in January 2020.

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

It differs. If your air conditioning is operating as designed, you can continue to run it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to work 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 expenses!

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

With the phaseout of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. Since it needs a different pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the possibility to contribute to global warming. As a consequence, it may also ultimately be phased out. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take the Place of R-410A?

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

Custom Air Systems Inc Can Provide Support 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 discussed earlier, refrigerant repairs can be pricier because of the low amounts available.

In addition to that, your air conditioner frequently breaks down at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re getting many other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we suggest getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and might even decrease your cooling costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Custom Air Systems Inc offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 772-247-2283 to begin now with a free estimate.