You might not think a lot about how your air conditioner functions, but it needs refrigerant to keep your residence 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 discuss the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Des Moines, plus how these phaseouts impact you.

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

If your air conditioner was put in before 2010, it probably has Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner has it by calling us at 515-207-6569. You can also inspect the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is located outside your residence. This sticker will include details on what model 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 results in global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which governs refrigerants in the United States, barred its production and import in January 2020.

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

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

If you don’t get a new air conditioner, it can lead to difficulties if you require air conditioning repair later on, specifically for refrigerant. Repairs can be pricier, because only reduced amounts of recycled and reclaimed R-22 is available.

With the discontinuation of R-22, many new air conditioners now rely on Puron®. Also known as R-410A, this refrigerant was developed to keep the ozone layer healthy. Since it needs a different pressure level, it isn’t compatible with air conditioners that need R-22 for cooling.

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

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

In preparation of the discontinuation, some manufacturers have begun using R-32 in new air conditioners. This refrigerant ranks low for global warming potential—approximately one-third less than R-410A. And it also decreases energy expenditure by approximately 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.

Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling Can Assist with All Your Air Conditioning Needs

In brief, the modifications to air conditioner refrigerant probably won’t concern you a whole lot until you need repairs. But as we talked about previously, refrigerant-related repairs might be more costly due to the restricted levels available.

Not to mention, your air conditioner frequently breaks down at the worst time, frequently on the warmest day when we’re receiving a lot of other calls for AC repair.

If your air conditioner uses a discontinued refrigerant or is more than 15 years old, we advise installing a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. This ensures a stress-free summer and could even decrease your cooling costs, especially if you select an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner. Plus, Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling provides many financing programs to make your new air conditioner even more affordable. Contact us at 515-207-6569 to start now with a free estimate.