Which Air Conditioning Refrigerants Are Being Phased Out?

You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner works, but it needs refrigerant to keep your house fresh. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental laws, as it contains chemicals.

Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Norco and St. Charles Parish, as well as how these phaseouts have on influence on you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It No Longer Being Made?

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably contains Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner has it by reaching us at (985) 764-2426. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your home. This sticker will contain info on what type of refrigerant your AC uses.

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 leads 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 varies. If your air conditioning is operating as designed, you can continue to use it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning 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 annual cooling bills!

If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it may lead to a problem if you have to have air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, as only small amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. Because it needs an incompatible pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to lead to global warming. As a result, it could also eventually be phased out. Although it hasn’t been disclosed yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.

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

In preparation of the end, some manufacturers have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming likelihood—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy use by about 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be forwarded on to you through your cooling costs.

Mayeuxs AC & Heating Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you greatly until you require repairs. But as we discussed earlier, refrigerant-related repairs might be pricier since there are the low quantities available.

Not to mention, your air conditioner often malfunctions at the worst time, typically on the warmest day when we’re receiving many other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner requires a phased out refrigerant or is aging, we advise upgrading to a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and can even decrease your electrical expenses, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Mayeuxs AC & Heating offers many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at (985) 764-2426 to begin right away with a free estimate.