You might not think much about how your air conditioner works, but it requires refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental rules, since it contains chemicals.

Based on when your air conditioner was added to your home, it may require R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, plus 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 added before 2010, it possibly contains Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 715-352-4052. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your house. This sticker will contain info on what model of refrigerant your AC needs.

Freon, which is also known as R-22, includes chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 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, outlawed its production 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 running properly, you can continue to use it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to operate around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that replacing 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 create an issue if you need air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be pricier, as only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the end of R-22, many new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer healthy. Since it needs a varying pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the potential to contribute to global warming. As a result, it could also ultimately be phased out. Although it hasn’t been communicated 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 companies have started 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 decreases energy expenditure by around 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 cooling expenses.

Halverson Brothers Inc Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you have to have repairs. But as we went over earlier, refrigerant repairs might be pricier since there are the restricted amounts that are accessible.

Aside from that, your air conditioner frequently malfunctions at the worst time, often on the hottest day when we’re receiving lots of other appointments for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on a phased out refrigerant or is aging, we suggest getting an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and might even lower your cooling costs, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Halverson Brothers Inc provides many financing programs to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 715-352-4052 to get started now with a free estimate.