You might not think often about how your air conditioner functions, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your residence cool. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental laws, since it contains chemicals.
Depending on when your air conditioner was put in, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Myrtle Beach, in addition to how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?
If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner contains it by calling us at 843-253-4874. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your residence. This sticker will contain details on what kind of refrigerant your AC has.
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 leads to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its manufacture and import in January 2020.
I Use an Air Conditioner with R-22. Do I Need to Get a New One?
It varies. If your air conditioning is operating correctly, you can continue to use it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to operate 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 expenses!
If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it may lead to difficulties if you require air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be higher-priced, since only small quantities of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.
With the end of R-22, most new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Since it needs a different pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.
However, Puron still has the potential to create global warming. As a result, it may also sometime be discontinued. Although it hasn’t been communicated 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 initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming potential—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also lowers energy consumption by approximately 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that might be sent on to you through your energy costs.
Polar Air & Mechanical Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs
In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you need repairs. But as we talked about previously, repairs connected to refrigerant may be more costly due to the low quantities available.
Not to mention, your air conditioner typically breaks down at the worst time, frequently on the muggiest day when we’re receiving lots of other requests for AC repair.
If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we advise upgrading to an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a hassle-free summer and could even reduce your cooling costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Polar Air & Mechanical provides many financing options to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 843-253-4874 to get started right away with a free estimate.
