Your AC equipment uses a chemical refrigerant to move warmth within your house outside. This makes your house cool and relaxing. The model of refrigerant used in your Rochester home’s air conditioner has been modified several times as time has gone by, following innovative advances and environmental concerns.
All new home air conditioners in Rochester run on R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be phased out. This is due to a continued concentration on restricting chemicals known to negatively impact the environment.
To find out the “why” that causes cooling restrictions, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million residences in the USA have air conditioners, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
But it’s not really the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling capacity.
The main problem is the refrigerant these units need to produce the cooling we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your unit was installed after January 1, 2010, it in all likelihood uses R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to get ready for the phaseout. So, it’s not a thing you should be worried about during this time.
Approaches and dates have been set for commercial AC equipment. But the starting point of the phaseout for residential cooling systems hasn’t yet been set. However, the phaseout could begin around 2024 and take 10 years to complete.
By that time, you could need to replace your unit regardless, as the ordinary life expectancy for an AC system is about 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This refrigerant isn’t being created right now, but there are still many Rochester residential cooling systems that have R22. If you need work, it may be very pricey as only recovered and recycled refrigerant is attainable.
A lot of the time, we propose upgrading your equipment because of the rising expenses of keeping up an AC unit with R22. Plus, you’ll be getting a more energy-efficient system.
Give our Experts a call at 603-923-4570 right away and we’ll help you get started choosing a modern unit.
How Do I Know What Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what form of refrigerant your air conditioning runs on, you can look at its panel. This piece is usually found on the outdoor condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you still can’t find it, Rochester residents should contact us at 603-923-4570 and our Experts can provide support.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older kinds of refrigerants can damage the ozone 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 many years. Researchers discovered it was detrimental to the atmosphere and ozone, so creation permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the alternative for R22. It’s what you’ll discover in all new air conditioning systems currently.
What Should I Do for Now?
If your AC is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a fantastic time to get started preparing for replacement.
We know that getting a new system can be a major expense. That’s why we offer our exclusive Advantage Program™ in addition to financing, With our Advantage Program, you can get a new, high-efficiency system for only one small monthly payment. And receive maintenance, repairs and parts at no additional cost.*
Call us at 603-923-4570 to set up an appointment today. We’ll talk through your budget and needs to help you find the best comfort system for your house.