You might not think often about how your air conditioner functions, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your home fresh. This refrigerant is bound by environmental rules, as it contains chemicals.

Based on when your air conditioner was put in, 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 Phoenix, as well as how these phaseouts impact you.

What’s R-22 and Why Is It No Longer Being Made?

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably contains Freon®. You can find out if your air conditioner contains it by contacting us at 602-971-0567. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will have details on what type of refrigerant your AC uses.

Freon, which is also referred to as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider R-22 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, outlawed its production and import in January 2020.

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

It varies. If your air conditioning is operating fine, you can continue to use it. With regular air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your system to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy says that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling bills!

If you don’t install a new air conditioner, it may cause difficulties if you have to have air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs might be pricier, as only limited amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is accessible.

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

However, Puron still has the likelihood to create global warming. Because of that, it may also ultimately be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Replace R-410A?

In preparation of the phaseout, some brands have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant rates low for global warming potential—about one-third less than R-410A. And it also reduces energy use by around 10%, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. That’s savings that could be sent on to you through your cooling costs.

Integrity AC & Heating LLC Can Provide Support with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In summary, the alterations to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you greatly until you require repairs. But as we went over previously, refrigerant-related repairs might be more costly since there are the reduced quantities available.

Aside from that, your air conditioner frequently stops working at the worst time, often on the warmest day when we’re getting lots of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner relies on a phased out refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we recommend getting an up-to-date, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a hassle-free summer and might even decrease your electrical costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Integrity AC & Heating LLC provides many financing options to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 602-971-0567 to get started today with a free estimate.