Your AC unit uses a chemical refrigerant to shift warmth within your home outside. This makes your house cool and relaxing. The model of refrigerant used in residential air conditioner has been modified several times over the years, following innovative advances and environmental concerns.
All modern home AC equipment in Fort Worth uses R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be phased out. This is due to a sustained concentration on lowering compounds known to negatively impact the environment.
To learn the “why” behind air conditioning rules, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million houses in the USA have cooling systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
But it’s not really the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling capacity.
The issue in question is the refrigerant this equipment has to produce the comfort we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your equipment was installed after January 1, 2010, it in all likelihood uses R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to get prepared for the phaseout. So, it’s not an issue you should be bothered about at this time.
Approaches and schedules have been fixed for commercial AC systems. But the starting point of the phaseout for residential air conditioning systems hasn’t yet been set. However, the phaseout could start around 2024 and take 10 years to complete.
By that time, you could need to install a new your unit anyhow, since the average life cycle for an AC system is often 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This refrigerant isn’t being produced anymore, but there are still lots of Fort Worth residential AC systems using R22. If you have to get work, it might be very pricey because only reacquired and recycled refrigerant is available.
In many cases, we suggest buying a new your system as a result of the growing costs of sustaining an air conditioner with R22. Plus, you’ll be getting a more energy-efficient solution.
Call our Experts at 817-380-5647 now and we’ll help you start locating a modern system.
How Do I Determine What Type Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re uncertain what kind of refrigerant your AC uses, you can look at its nameplate. This piece is often located on the outside condenser. Or you can find it in your owner’s manual.
If you’re unable to come across it, Fort Worth residents should call us at 817-380-5647 and our professionals can help.
Why are Refrigerants Damaging to the Environment?
Older formulas of refrigerants can damage the planet and cause climate change. Here’s a brief look at the history of residential air conditioner refrigerants:
- Residential air conditioners have run on R22, or Freon, for a long time. Testing found it was detrimental to the environment and ozone, so production permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll see in all new cooling units today.
What Should I Do for Now?
If your air conditioner is near (or older than) 15 years, now’s a fantastic time to start planning for installation.
We know that replacing your system can be a major expense. That’s why we have our exclusive Advantage Program™ in addition to financing, With our Advantage Program, you can receive a new, high-efficiency system for only one little monthly payment. And receive maintenance, repairs and parts at no added price.*
Call us at 817-380-5647 to schedule an appointment now. We’ll discuss your budget and needs to help you pick the best comfort equipment for your home.