You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it depends on refrigerant to keep your residence cold. This refrigerant is subject to environmental laws, as it contains chemicals.

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

What’s R-22 and Why Is It Phased Out?

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely contains Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 308-995-8177. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will include info on what type of refrigerant your AC has.

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

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

It depends. If your air conditioning is cooling fine, you can continue to keep it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on summertime cooling expenses!

If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it may cause an issue if you need air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be more expensive, since only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

With the phaseout of R-22, most new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer healthy. Since it needs a varying pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that rely on R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to lead to global warming. As a consequence, it could also eventually be phased out. Although it hasn’t been communicated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s likely sometime this decade.

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

In preparation of the end, some companies have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming possibility—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy consumption by approximately 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that could be forwarded on to you through your utility bills.

Durable Service Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, 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 can be pricier since there are the reduced quantities available.

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

If your air conditioner uses an outdated refrigerant or is aging, we recommend installing an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a stress-free summer and can even lower your electrical expenses, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Durable Service has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 308-995-8177 to start now with a free estimate.