Are Air Conditioning Refrigerants Being Phased Out?

You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it needs refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is bound by environmental rules, since it contains chemicals.

Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Greater Richmond, plus how these phaseouts impact you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 804-302-6657. You can also look at the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your home. This sticker will contain details on what type of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also called R-22, has chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, barred 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 running properly, you can continue to run 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 summertime cooling expenses!

If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it can lead to an issue if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be pricier, because only small levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.

With the end of R-22, many new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer strong. As it requires an incompatible pressure level, it doesn’t match air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the potential to lead to global warming. As a consequence, it might also sometime be ended. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s anticipated sometime this decade.

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

In preparation of the phaseout, some manufacturers have started 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 decreases energy use by around 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 cooling expenses.

Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In short, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you a whole lot until you have to have repairs. But as we discussed previously, refrigerant repairs might be more expensive because of the restricted levels available.

Not to mention, your air conditioner often stops working at the worst time, often on the warmest day when we’re receiving a lot of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest installing an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a stress-free summer and can even decrease your electrical expenses, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 804-302-6657 to begin today with a free estimate.