Your AC unit uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat within your residence outside. This makes your home cool and comfortable. The type of refrigerant used in your Philadelphia house’s air conditioner has switched a couple of times as time has passed, keeping up with technological advancements and environmental regards.
All new home air conditioners in Philadelphia run on R410a, also called as Puron. But this refrigerant will subsequently be phased out. This is due to a continued focus on reducing chemicals known to negatively affect the environment.
To learn the “why” that drives air conditioning restrictions, it’s useful 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 actually the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling functions.
The main issue is the refrigerant these systems need to create the comfort we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your unit was installed after January 1, 2010, it probably runs on R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to get ready for the phaseout. So, it’s not an issue you should be worried about immediately.
Approaches and dates have been fixed for commercial cooling units. But the start 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 finish.
By then, you might need to buy a new your unit anyway, since the average life expectancy for an air conditioning system is usually 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This refrigerant isn’t being made today, but there are still lots of Philadelphia residential AC systems using R22. If you need repairs, it might be very costly as only recovered and recycled refrigerant is available.
Most of the time, we recommend buying a new your equipment due to the rising prices of keeping up an AC with R22. In addition, you’ll be gaining a better energy-efficient unit.
Reach our Experts at 215-278-9690 today and we’ll help you begin locating a modern model.
How Do I Know What Kind Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re uncertain what form of refrigerant your air conditioner has, you can look at its panel. This piece is often found on the exterior condenser. Or you can find it in your owner’s manual.
If you’re still not able to locate it, Philadelphia residents should call us at 215-278-9690 and our professionals can provide support.
Why are Refrigerants Damaging to the Environment?
Older kinds of refrigerants can harm the environment and lead to 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 many years. Researchers discovered it was harmful to the planet and ozone, so manufacturing permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the alternative for R22. It’s what you’ll see in all new air conditioners currently.
What Should I Do for Now?
If your air conditioner is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a fantastic time to begin preparing for installation.
We get that installing a new system can be a considerable expense. That’s why we offer our exclusive Advantage Program™ as well as financing, With our Advantage Program, you can receive an up-to-date, high-efficiency system for only one little monthly payment. And enjoy maintenance, repairs and parts at no added price.*
Reach us at 215-278-9690 to schedule an appointment now. We’ll go over your budget and needs to help you select the right comfort equipment for your home.