Are Air Conditioning Refrigerants Being Phased Out?

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

Depending on when your air conditioner was installed, 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 Alliance, as well as how these phaseouts have on influence on you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably uses Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner uses it by reaching us at 308-762-1613. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your residence. This sticker will have information on what kind of refrigerant your AC uses.

Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its creation 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 operating correctly, you can continue to keep it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling bills!

If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it may lead to difficulties if you need air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be higher-priced, since only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer in good shape. As it calls for a varying 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. Because of that, it could also eventually be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?

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

Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you very much until you require repairs. But as we went over earlier, refrigerant repairs may be more expensive due to the low levels that are accessible.

In addition to that, your air conditioner frequently breaks down at the worst time, often on the warmest day when we’re experiencing a lot of other appointments for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on a discontinued refrigerant or is getting old, we advise getting a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a hassle-free summer and can even decrease your utility expenses, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces provides many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 308-762-1613 to begin right away with a free estimate.