You might not think much about how your air conditioner functions, but it requires refrigerant to keep your residence cold. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental regulation, since it contains chemicals.

Subject to when your air conditioner was added to your home, 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, plus how these phaseouts impact you.

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

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

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

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

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

If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it might cause an issue if you require air conditioning repair down the road, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs may be more expensive, because only small amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

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

However, Puron still has the likelihood to contribute to global warming. As a result, it could 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 Replace R-410A?

In preparation of the end, some manufacturers have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming potential—around one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy expenditure by around 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that may be forwarded on to you through your energy expenses.

Durable Service Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you very much until you have to have repairs. But as we went over earlier, refrigerant repairs may be pricier because of the restricted amounts on hand.

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

If your air conditioner relies on a phased out refrigerant or is getting old, we recommend getting a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner. This provides a hassle-free summer and could even decrease your cooling costs, especially if you get an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Durable Service has many financing options to make your new air conditioner fit your budget. Contact us at 308-995-8177 to start now with a free estimate.