Your AC unit uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer humidity within your home outside. This makes your home chilled and relaxing. The type of refrigerant used in residential air conditioner has switched a few times as time has passed, following technological advances and environmental considerations.
All new home air conditioners in Longmont run on R410a, also called as Puron. But this refrigerant will consequently be phased out. This is because of a sustained focus on restricting chemicals known to negatively impact the environment.
To find out the “why” that causes cooling restrictions, it helps to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million residences in the United States have cooling systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
But it’s not so much the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling functions.
The issue in question is the refrigerant these units need to produce the cooling we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your equipment was installed after January 1, 2010, it likely uses R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to prepare for the phaseout. So, it’s not a thing you should be bothered about now.
Approaches and dates have been fixed for commercial HVAC systems. But the beginning of the phaseout for residential air conditioning systems hasn’t yet been determined. However, the phaseout could start around 2024 and take 10 years to finish.
At that date, you may need to get a new your equipment regardless, as the ordinary life expectancy for an AC system is about 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This refrigerant isn’t being created today, but there are still a lot of Longmont residential AC systems using R22. If you have to get service, it can be very costly since only recovered and recycled refrigerant is attainable.
In many cases, we recommend buying a new your equipment as a result of the rising costs of sustaining an air conditioner with R22. As a bonus, you’ll be gaining a better energy-efficient unit.
Give our Experts a call at 303-647-5749 today and we’ll help you get started choosing a new model.
How Do I Find Out What Type Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re not sure what kind of refrigerant your AC runs on, you can check its plate. This piece is usually found on the outdoor condenser. Or you can find it in your owner’s manual.
If you’re unable to come across it, Longmont residents should call us at 303-647-5749 and our Experts can assist you.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older types of refrigerants can damage the environment 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 a long time. Testing determined it was detrimental to the environment and ozone, so manufacturing permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll find in all new air conditioning systems now.
What Should I Do in the Meantime?
If your air conditioner is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a great time to start planning for this purchase.
We get that buying a new system can be a considerable expense. That’s why we offer our exclusive Advantage Program™ in addition to financing, With our Advantage Program, you can get an updated, high-efficiency system for merely one small monthly payment. And enjoy maintenance, repairs and parts at no extra cost.*
Contact us at 303-647-5749 to schedule an appointment right away. We’ll review your budget and needs to help you select the ideal comfort equipment for your house.