Which Air Conditioning Refrigerants Are Being Phased Out?

You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner works, but it requires refrigerant to keep your residence fresh. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental rules, because of the chemicals it contains.

Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Streamwood, in addition to how these phaseouts impact you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?

If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it possibly uses Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner uses it by calling us at 630-313-2509. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your home. This sticker will include details on what kind of refrigerant your AC needs.

Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 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 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 run it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling costs!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may create an issue if you need air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, because only small amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the end 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 in good shape. Since it calls for a varying pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.

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

What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?

In preparation of the discontinuation, some manufacturers have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming possibility—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy expenditure by about 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 energy bills.

Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you need repairs. But as we discussed beforehand, refrigerant-related repairs can be more costly due to the low levels on hand.

Aside from that, your air conditioner usually malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the hottest day when we’re getting many other appointments for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses an outdated refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest getting an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a hassle-free summer and may even lower your electrical expenses, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 630-313-2509 to start today with a free estimate.