You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your house fresh. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental rules, 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 go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Norco and St. Charles Parish, plus how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it possibly has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner uses it by calling us at (985) 764-2426. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your residence. This sticker will contain info on what kind of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also known as R-22, includes 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 production and import in January 2020.
Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?
It varies. If your air conditioning is operating correctly, you can continue to use it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning 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 annual cooling expenses!
If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may lead to difficulties if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be more expensive, since only limited amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.
With the phaseout of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Because it needs a different pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the possibility to create global warming. As a consequence, 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 end, some brands have initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming likelihood—around 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 passed on to you through your cooling costs.
Mayeuxs AC & Heating Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you have to have repairs. But as we discussed beforehand, refrigerant repairs might be more costly since there are the low quantities that are accessible.
Not to mention, your air conditioner usually malfunctions at the worst time, frequently on the warmest day when we’re getting many other calls for AC repair.
If your air conditioner requires a discontinued refrigerant or is aging, we advise getting an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a hassle-free summer and could even decrease your cooling costs, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Mayeuxs AC & Heating has many financing options to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at (985) 764-2426 to get started now with a free estimate.
