You might not think often about how your air conditioner works, but it needs refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental regulation, as it contains chemicals.
Depending 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 Middletown, as well as how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it likely uses Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 302-231-1380. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your home. This sticker will contain info on what type of refrigerant your AC uses.
Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees refrigerants in the United States, barred its production and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It differs. If your air conditioning is cooling correctly, you can continue to run it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling bills!
If you keep your air conditioner, it may lead to an issue if you require air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be more expensive, since only limited amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.
With the phaseout of R-22, most new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer healthy. Since it requires a varying pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to contribute to global warming. As a result, it might also eventually be phased out. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the discontinuation, some companies have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming possibility—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy expenditure by approximately 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 electrical bills.
SchagrinGAS Company Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you need repairs. But as we discussed previously, repairs connected to refrigerant could be pricier because of the low amounts that are accessible.
Aside from that, your air conditioner usually malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the warmest day when we’re experiencing lots of other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner uses an outdated refrigerant or is aging, we suggest upgrading to an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a trouble-free summer and might even lower your utility expenses, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, SchagrinGAS Company provides many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 302-231-1380 to begin now with a free estimate.