You might not think much about how your air conditioner works, but it needs refrigerant to keep your house fresh. This refrigerant is controlled by environmental regulation, because of the chemicals it contains.

Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, it may need R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Buellton, plus how these phaseouts impact you.

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

If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it probably uses Freon®. You can learn if your air conditioner contains it by contacting us at 805-242-9638. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is found outside your residence. This sticker will include info on what type of refrigerant your AC has.

Freon, which is also called R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider Freon to be bad for the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which manages refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its creation and import in January 2020.

Should I Replace My R-22 Air Conditioner?

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

If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it might create a problem if you require air conditioning repair in the future, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be higher-priced, since only reduced levels of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is on hand.

With the end of R-22, most new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also called R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer strong. Since it calls for a varying pressure level, it doesn’t work with air conditioners that use R-22 for cooling.

However, Puron still has the likelihood to lead to global warming. As a consequence, it might also eventually be ended. Although it hasn’t been mandated yet for residential air conditioners, it’s expected sometime this decade.

What Refrigerant Will Take Over R-410A?

In preparation of the end, some brands have started using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant is classified low for global warming likelihood—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy expenditure by around 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 cooling expenses.

Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t affect you greatly until you have to have repairs. But as we went over earlier, repairs connected to refrigerant may be pricier due to the low amounts available.

Not to mention, your air conditioner usually malfunctions at the worst time, often on the hottest day when we’re getting lots of other requests for AC repair.

If your air conditioner requires an outdated refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we advise upgrading to a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This delivers a trouble-free summer and can even reduce your utility costs, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated system. Plus, Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning has many financing solutions to make your new air conditioner work with your budget. Contact us at 805-242-9638 to start today with a free estimate.