Are Air Conditioning Refrigerants Being Phased Out?

You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner operates, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental laws, as 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 Macon, in addition to how these phaseouts impact you.

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

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it possibly contains Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner has it by reaching us at 478-202-3170. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will contain information on what model of refrigerant your AC needs.

Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that leads to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, banned its production and import in January 2020.

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

It varies. If your air conditioning is operating correctly, you can continue to run it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling bills!

If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it might create difficulties if you have to have air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be more expensive, as only small levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

With the discontinuation of R-22, most new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer in good shape. As it requires a varying pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the possibility to create global warming. Because of that, it may also ultimately be ended. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?

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

Air Temperature Control Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you a whole lot until you require repairs. But as we went over earlier, refrigerant repairs may be more costly due to the restricted levels available.

Not to mention, your air conditioner often malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re receiving a lot of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on an outdated refrigerant or is aging, we suggest installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a hassle-free summer and might even decrease your electrical costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Air Temperature Control offers many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 478-202-3170 to begin today with a free estimate.