Your AC equipment uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer humidity within your residence outside. This makes your house chilled and comfortable. The kind of refrigerant used in residential air conditioner has switched several times as time has gone by, keeping up with technological breakthroughs and environmental considerations.
All new home AC equipment in Albany run on R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be phased out. This is due to a sustained attention on lowering compounds known to negatively affect the environment.
To find out the “why” that causes cooling rules, it helps to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million houses in the USA have air conditioning, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
But it’s not actually the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling capacity.
The main issue is the refrigerant this equipment use to make the cooling we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your system was put in after January 1, 2010, it probably has R410a. And there’s an extended amount of time for you to prepare for the phaseout. So, it’s not something you should be concerned about immediately.
Recommendations and timetables have been set for commercial cooling systems. But the starting point of the phaseout for residential AC systems hasn’t yet been scheduled. However, the phaseout could start around 2024 and take 10 years to complete.
By that time, you may need to replace your equipment anyway, because the ordinary life span for a cooling system is typically 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This refrigerant isn’t being made anymore, but there are still a lot of Albany residential AC systems that use R22. If you have to have service, it can be very pricey since only recovered and recycled refrigerant is accessible.
A lot of the time, we suggest buying a new your equipment because of the increasing expenses of maintaining an AC with R22. As a bonus, you’ll be getting a better energy-efficient solution.
Reach our Experts at 518-417-2938 right away and we’ll help you begin locating a modern system.
How Do I Determine What Type Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what form of refrigerant your air conditioning has, you can locate its panel. This piece is often found on the outdoor condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you’re still not able to find it, Albany residents should reach us at 518-417-2938 and our Experts can provide support.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older formulas 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 with R22, or Freon, for many decades. Researchers found it was harmful to the atmosphere and ozone, so creation permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll find in all new cooling units now.
What Should I Do in the Meantime?
If your air conditioning is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a great time to get started planning for this purchase.
We get that buying a new system can be a big expense. That’s why we provide our exclusive Advantage Program™ in addition to financing, With our Advantage Program, you can have an updated, high-efficiency system for only one little monthly payment. And enjoy maintenance, repairs and parts at no additional cost.*
Reach us at 518-417-2938 to schedule an appointment today. We’ll talk through your budget and needs to help you select the right comfort unit for your house.