You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your home cool. This refrigerant is subject to environmental rules, because of the chemicals it contains.

Based on 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 Wisconsin Rapids, plus how these phaseouts impact you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Discontinued?

If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it likely contains Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner contains it by calling us at 715-301-0256. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your house. This sticker will include info on what type of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, barred its manufacture and import in January 2020.

I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?

It differs. If your air conditioning is operating properly, you can continue to keep it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your air conditioning to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that removing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling bills!

If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it might create a problem if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be more expensive, as only small amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Since it needs an incompatible pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to create global warming. As a consequence, it may also eventually be phased out. 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 end, some manufacturers have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming possibility—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy consumption by approximately 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 cooling costs.

Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you a whole lot until you need repairs. But as we discussed previously, repairs connected to refrigerant might be more costly because of the low amounts on hand.

Not to mention, your air conditioner frequently malfunctions at the worst time, often on the hottest day when we’re getting many other appointments for AC repair.

If your air conditioner requires an outdated refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest installing a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a hassle-free summer and may even reduce your electrical bills, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 715-301-0256 to begin now with a free estimate.