Are Air Conditioning Refrigerants Being Phased Out?

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

Depending on when your air conditioner was installed, 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 Hudsonville, 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 possibly contains Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner has it by contacting us at (616) 319-1436. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your residence. This sticker will have 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 contributes to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its creation and import in January 2020.

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

It varies. If your air conditioning is operating properly, you can continue to run it. With regular 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 costs!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may cause difficulties if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs could be more expensive, since only small amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.

With the discontinuation of R-22, most new air conditioners now have Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was created to keep the ozone layer strong. As it calls for a varying 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 result, it may also eventually be phased out. Although it hasn’t been mandated 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 companies have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming potential—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy use 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 cooling bills.

West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you very much until you require repairs. But as we talked about previously, refrigerant-related repairs might be pricier because of the reduced levels on hand.

Not to mention, your air conditioner typically breaks down at the worst time, often on the hottest day when we’re receiving a lot of other requests for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses an outdated refrigerant or is aging, we suggest getting a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a trouble-free summer and could even reduce your electrical bills, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services has many financing options to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at (616) 319-1436 to get started now with a free estimate.