Are Air Conditioning Refrigerants Being Phased Out?

You might not think much about how your air conditioner works, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your home fresh. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental laws, since it contains chemicals.

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

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably contains Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 760-784-9034. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will contain details on what kind of refrigerant your AC uses.

Freon, which is also known as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its manufacture 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 cooling properly, you can continue to use it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to work around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on yearly cooling costs!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may cause an issue if you need air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be pricier, as only limited levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

With the phaseout of R-22, a lot of 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 a varying pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to contribute to global warming. As a result, it could also ultimately be ended. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take the Place of R-410A?

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

Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you need repairs. But as we discussed previously, refrigerant repairs might be pricier since there are the restricted amounts that are accessible.

Not to mention, your air conditioner often stops working at the worst time, frequently on the hottest day when we’re experiencing many other requests for AC repair.

If your air conditioner requires a discontinued refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we suggest getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a hassle-free summer and could even reduce your utility costs, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning provides many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 760-784-9034 to begin now with a free estimate.