Your AC equipment uses a chemical refrigerant to shift heat within your home outside. This makes your home chilly and comfortable. The model of refrigerant used in your Raleigh house’s air conditioner has changed a few times as time has gone by, keeping up with technological advancements and environmental regards.
All modern home air conditioners in Raleigh run on R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be phased out. This is due to a continued focus on lowering substances known to negatively affect the environment.
To understand the “why” behind AC restrictions, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million residences in the United States 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 functions.
The main problem is the refrigerant this equipment has to produce the comfort we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your unit was installed after January 1, 2010, it likely has R410a. And there’s an extended amount of time for you to get prepared for the phaseout. So, it’s not something you should be concerned about at this time.
Strategies and dates have been set for commercial HVAC systems. But the starting point of the phaseout for residential AC systems hasn’t yet been determined. However, the phaseout could begin around 2024 and take 10 years to finish.
At that date, you could need to replace your system anyhow, because the average life cycle for an AC system is about 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This compound isn’t being created right now, but there are still many Raleigh residential air conditioning systems using R22. If you have to get service, it could be very expensive because only reclaimed and recycled refrigerant is accessible.
A lot of the time, we propose getting a new your unit because of the increasing costs of keeping up an air conditioner with R22. In addition, you’ll be getting a better energy-efficient system.
Call our Experts at 919-578-4329 now and we’ll help you start locating an updated system.
How Do I Determine What Kind Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what form of refrigerant your air conditioner uses, you can locate its plate. This piece is often located on the exterior condenser. Or you can look in your owner’s manual.
If you still can’t locate it, Raleigh residents should contact us at 919-578-4329 and our professionals can provide support.
Why are Refrigerants Damaging to the Environment?
Older formulas 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 on R22, or Freon, for a long time. Testing found it was detrimental to the atmosphere and ozone, so production permanently ended on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the alternative for R22. It’s what you’ll see in all new air conditioning systems today.
What Should I Do for Now?
If your AC is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a good time to start preparing for installation.
We know that replacing your 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 merely one small monthly payment. And receive maintenance, repairs and parts at no added price.*
Contact us at 919-578-4329 to set up an appointment right away. We’ll talk through your budget and needs to help you choose the ideal comfort system for your house.