Your AC unit uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer warmth within your house outside. This makes your home chilled and relaxing. The kind of refrigerant used in residential air conditioner has been modified a few times as time has passed, following technological breakthroughs and environmental concerns.
All new home air conditioners in Houston uses R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be discontinued. This is because of a continued concentration on limiting compounds known to negatively affect the environment.
To learn the “why” that drives AC restrictions, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million residences in the U.S. have cooling systems, 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 these systems need to produce the cooling we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your system was installed after January 1, 2010, it in all likelihood runs on R410a. And there’s an extended amount of time for you to prepare for the phaseout. So, it’s not an issue you should be worried about now.
Strategies and dates have been determined for commercial cooling systems. But the starting point of the phaseout for residential air conditioning systems hasn’t yet been determined. However, the phaseout could begin around 2024 and take 10 years to complete.
At that time, you could need to buy a new your equipment regardless, because the regular life span for an AC system is often 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This chemical isn’t being produced anymore, but there are still lots of Houston residential AC systems using R22. If you have to have work, it can be very expensive since only recovered and recycled refrigerant is available.
A lot of the time, we suggest upgrading your equipment because of the rising prices of sustaining an AC with R22. Plus, you’ll be gaining a better energy-efficient solution.
Call our Experts at 713-396-3760 now and we’ll help you begin finding a modern system.
How Do I Know What Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what kind of refrigerant your AC uses, you can locate its plate. This piece is often situated on the outdoor condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you’re unable to locate it, Houston residents should reach us at 713-396-3760 and our Experts can provide support.
Why are Refrigerants Hurtful 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 used R22, or Freon, for many years. Scientists determined it was harmful to the environment and ozone, so production permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll find in all new air conditioners currently.
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 start preparing for replacement.
We get 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 receive a new, high-efficiency system for just one little monthly payment. And enjoy maintenance, repairs and parts at no added cost.*
Contact us at 713-396-3760 to set up an appointment right away. We’ll discuss your budget and needs to help you find the ideal comfort unit for your home.