You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner works, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your residence cold. This refrigerant is bound by environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.
Subject to 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 Cottonwood & Prescott, as well as how these phaseouts impact you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely uses Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner has it by contacting us at 928-251-4327. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your home. This sticker will have details on what kind of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also called R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its creation and import in January 2020.
Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?
It varies. If your air conditioning is cooling properly, you can continue to use it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system 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 yearly cooling expenses!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it might cause difficulties if you require air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be more expensive, because only small levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer healthy. Because it requires a varying pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the potential to lead to global warming. Because of that, it might also sometime be phased out. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.
What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?
In preparation of the discontinuation, some companies have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming potential—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy consumption by around 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that may be passed on to you through your utility costs.
Connolly Electric & Mechanical Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In brief, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you require repairs. But as we discussed earlier, refrigerant-related repairs can be pricier because of the reduced quantities available.
Not to mention, your air conditioner typically malfunctions at the worst time, often on the muggiest day when we’re experiencing a lot of other appointments for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we advise installing a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a trouble-free summer and could even decrease your cooling expenses, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Connolly Electric & Mechanical has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 928-251-4327 to start today with a free estimate.
