You might not think much about how your air conditioner functions, but it has to have refrigerant to keep your home cold. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental regulation, 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 Tuscaloosa, plus 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 probably uses Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 205-208-8090. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your residence. This sticker will include info on what kind of refrigerant your AC uses.
Freon, which is also called R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates refrigerants in the United States, banned its production 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 operating correctly, you can continue to use it. With annual air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to operate 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 costs!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it can create difficulties if you have to have air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be pricier, because only small levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the end of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer strong. Since it needs an incompatible pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the likelihood to lead to global warming. As a result, it might also ultimately be phased out. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?
In preparation of the discontinuation, some brands have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming potential—about 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 may be forwarded on to you through your electrical bills.
KDM Service Corporation Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you require repairs. But as we talked about earlier, refrigerant-related repairs might be more costly due to the reduced quantities on hand.
Not to mention, your air conditioner typically malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the warmest day when we’re experiencing a lot of other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner uses a discontinued refrigerant or is getting old, we advise installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a stress-free summer and may even reduce your energy expenses, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, KDM Service Corporation has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 205-208-8090 to begin today with a free estimate.