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

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

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

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner contains it by contacting us at 308-832-4321. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your house. This sticker will contain details on what model of refrigerant your AC uses.

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

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

It differs. If your air conditioning is operating properly, you can continue to use it. With routine 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 yearly cooling bills!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it can lead to a problem if you require air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, as only small amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also referred to as R-410A, this refrigerant was made to keep the ozone layer in good shape. Because it calls for a varying pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the possibility to contribute to global warming. As a result, it might also sometime 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 phaseout, some companies have initiated using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming likelihood—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 might be forwarded on to you through your utility expenses.

MPC Heating & Cooling Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the changes to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t impact you a whole lot until you have to have repairs. But as we talked about previously, refrigerant-related repairs can be more expensive because of the reduced levels on hand.

Aside from that, your air conditioner usually breaks down at the worst time, frequently on the muggiest day when we’re getting many other requests for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on a discontinued refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we suggest installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a hassle-free summer and may even reduce your cooling expenses, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Plus, MPC Heating & Cooling offers many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 308-832-4321 to start right away with a free estimate.