Which Air Conditioning Refrigerants Are Being Phased Out?

You might not think much about how your air conditioner operates, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your home cold. This refrigerant is subject to environmental laws, since 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 review the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Bishop, in addition to how these phaseouts have on influence on you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably has Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner uses it by contacting us at 760-784-9034. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your house. This sticker will include info on what kind of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also called R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, barred its creation and import in January 2020.

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

It depends. If your air conditioning is running correctly, you can continue to keep it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling expenses!

If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it may lead to difficulties if you need air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be pricier, because only limited amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the phaseout of R-22, many new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer healthy. Since it requires an incompatible pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to create global warming. As a result, it might also eventually be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Replace 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—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers 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 utility costs.

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

In summary, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you have to have repairs. But as we discussed earlier, repairs connected to refrigerant can be more costly because of the restricted amounts on hand.

In addition to that, your air conditioner often malfunctions at the worst time, often on the warmest day when we’re receiving many other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is aging, we recommend installing a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a stress-free summer and could even lower your utility bills, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning has many financing programs to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 760-784-9034 to begin today with a free estimate.