You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your house cool. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental rules, since it contains chemicals.

Depending on when your air conditioner was added to your home, it may require R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll review the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Central Point, as well as how these phaseouts affect you.

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

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it possibly contains Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 541-286-6617. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will have information on what type of refrigerant your AC uses.

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

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

It differs. If your air conditioning is cooling correctly, you can continue to use it. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to run around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy reports that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling expenses!

If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it can create an issue if you require air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be more expensive, as only small amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

With the discontinuation of R-22, a lot of new air conditioners now use Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer healthy. As it requires a different pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the potential to lead 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 anticipated sometime this decade.

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

In preparation of the discontinuation, 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 use by about 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 utility costs.

Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In short, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you need repairs. But as we discussed previously, refrigerant repairs might be pricier since there are the restricted levels that are accessible.

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

If your air conditioner uses a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we suggest installing a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a trouble-free summer and can even reduce your electrical expenses, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Titan Heating & Air Conditioning provides many financing options to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 541-286-6617 to get started today with a free estimate.