You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it requires refrigerant to keep your residence fresh. This refrigerant is bound by environmental regulation, because of the chemicals it contains.

Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, 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 Norton, in addition to how these phaseouts impact you.

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

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably uses Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 276-302-0076. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your house. This sticker will have information on what type of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also known as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts 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 keep it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to last 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 a problem if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be pricier, as only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the end of R-22, most new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer strong. Since it needs a varying pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the possibility to create global warming. As a result, it might also sometime be phased out. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?

In preparation of the phaseout, some companies have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming likelihood—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy expenditure by around 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 bills.

HCE Systems Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you require repairs. But as we discussed earlier, refrigerant repairs may be more expensive due to the low levels on hand.

In addition to that, your air conditioner usually malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the warmest day when we’re getting a lot of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on a discontinued refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we advise getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and can even decrease your electrical costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, HCE Systems provides many financing programs to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 276-302-0076 to start today with a free estimate.