You might not think much about how your air conditioner works, but it requires refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental rules, as it contains chemicals.

Based on when your air conditioner was put in, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Auburn and Opelika, plus how these phaseouts have on influence on you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 334-524-2458. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will have info on what type of refrigerant your AC needs.

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

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

It differs. If your air conditioning is operating as designed, you can continue to run it. With yearly 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 bills!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may lead to a problem if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be pricier, because only reduced amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.

With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer strong. As it calls for an incompatible pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the possibility to contribute to global warming. Because of that, it could also eventually be phased out. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?

In preparation of the discontinuation, some brands have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming likelihood—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy use by around 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be sent on to you through your utility expenses.

Farnell Mechanical, Inc. Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you have to have repairs. But as we went over beforehand, refrigerant repairs might be more costly since there are the low quantities available.

Not to mention, your air conditioner frequently malfunctions at the worst time, often on the hottest day when we’re getting lots of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner requires an outdated refrigerant or is getting old, we advise getting a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a stress-free summer and might even lower your utility bills, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Farnell Mechanical, Inc. has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 334-524-2458 to begin now with a free estimate.