Your AC equipment uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat within your house outside. This makes your house chilly and relaxing. The type of refrigerant used in your Columbia home’s air conditioner has switched several times as time has passed, keeping in touch with technology advances and environmental regards.
All new home AC units in Columbia have R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be phased out. This is a result of a continued focus on reducing substances known to negatively affect the environment.
To understand the “why” behind AC rules, it helps to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million homes 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 functions.
The issue in question is the refrigerant these units has to make the comfort we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your system was put in after January 1, 2010, it in all likelihood has R410a. And there’s an extended amount of time for you to get ready for the phaseout. So, it’s not a thing you should be concerned about at this time.
Recommendations and timetables have been determined for commercial HVAC units. But the start of the phaseout for residential air conditioning systems hasn’t yet been scheduled. However, the phaseout could start around 2024 and take 10 years to finish.
By that time, you could need to replace your system anyway, since the regular life expectancy for an AC system is often 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This compound isn’t being created currently, but there are still lots of Columbia residential cooling systems that use R22. If you have to have repairs, it can be very expensive since only recovered and recycled refrigerant is available.
In many cases, we suggest installing a new your unit due to the rising costs of keeping up a cooling system with R22. As a bonus, you’ll be receiving an enhanced energy-efficient solution.
Reach our Experts at 803-399-7208 today and we’ll help you start finding a modern system.
How Do I Determine Which Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what variety of refrigerant your air conditioning has, you can find its plate. This piece is typically situated on the exterior condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you’re still not able to locate it, Columbia residents should contact us at 803-399-7208 and our professionals can assist you.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older kinds of refrigerants can harm the planet and lead to climate change. Here’s a glance 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 atmosphere and ozone, so production permanently ended on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll find in all new air conditioning systems currently.
What Should I Do in the Interim?
If your AC is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a great time to get started prepping for replacement.
We know that replacing your 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 receive a modern, high-efficiency system for just one low monthly payment. And receive maintenance, repairs and parts at no added cost.*
Get in touch with us at 803-399-7208 to schedule an appointment right away. We’ll review your budget and needs to help you locate the ideal comfort unit for your house.