You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it has to have refrigerant to keep your residence cool. This refrigerant is bound by environmental rules, since it contains chemicals.
Based on when your air conditioner was put in, 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 Port St. Lucie, 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 uses Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 772-247-2283. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will include details on what kind of refrigerant your AC has.
Freon, which is also called R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, barred its creation and import in January 2020.
I Use an Air Conditioner with R-22. Do I Need to Get a New One?
It differs. If your air conditioning is running as designed, you can continue to keep it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling bills!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it might lead to an issue if you have to have air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be pricier, as only limited levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.
With the end of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer healthy. Since it calls for an incompatible pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to lead to global warming. Because of that, it might also ultimately be phased out. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take the Place of R-410A?
In preparation of the phaseout, some manufacturers have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming possibility—about 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 could be passed on to you through your energy bills.
Custom Air Systems Inc Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you need repairs. But as we mentioned beforehand, refrigerant repairs can be more costly because of the restricted quantities available.
Not to mention, your air conditioner typically needs repair at the worst time, often on the muggiest day when we’re experiencing lots of other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner uses a discontinued refrigerant or is aging, we recommend installing a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a trouble-free summer and could even reduce your electrical expenses, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Custom Air Systems Inc provides many financing programs to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 772-247-2283 to begin now with a free estimate.