Your AC unit uses a chemical refrigerant to move heat within your house outside. This makes your residence chilly and comfortable. The model of refrigerant used in your Birmingham house’s air conditioner has changed a few times as time has gone by, keeping up with technological advances and environmental considerations.
All modern home AC units in Birmingham run on R410a, also referred to as Puron. But this refrigerant will consequently be phased out. This is because of a sustained attention on reducing compounds known to negatively impact the environment.
To learn the “why” behind AC regulation, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million houses in the U.S. 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 capacity.
The main problem is the refrigerant these systems has to produce the comfort we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your system was installed after January 1, 2010, it likely has R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to get ready for the phaseout. So, it’s not something you should be bothered about at this time.
Plans and timetables have been fixed for commercial cooling equipment. But the beginning of the phaseout for residential cooling systems hasn’t yet been scheduled. However, the phaseout could start around 2024 and take 10 years to end.
By that time, you could need to replace your equipment regardless, because the average life expectancy for an AC system is typically 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This refrigerant isn’t being produced anymore, but there are still a lot of Birmingham residential cooling systems using R22. If you need service, it may be very pricey since only reacquired and recycled refrigerant is attainable.
In many cases, we propose installing a new your system as a result of the growing expenses of maintaining a cooling system with R22. As a bonus, you’ll be getting an enhanced energy-efficient system.
Call our Experts at 205-267-0023 today and we’ll help you get started locating an updated solution.
How Do I Find Out What Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what form of refrigerant your air conditioning runs on, you can find its plate. This piece is usually situated on the exterior condenser. Or you can find it in your owner’s manual.
If you still can’t come across it, Birmingham residents should contact us at 205-267-0023 and our Experts can help.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older formulas of refrigerants can damage the ozone and contribute 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. Researchers discovered it was damaging to the planet and ozone, so creation permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll see in all new cooling units currently.
What Should I Do in the Interim?
If your AC is approaching (or older than) 15 years, now’s a great time to begin preparing for installation.
We get that replacing your system can be a major expense. That’s why we have our exclusive Advantage Program™ plus financing, With our Advantage Program, you can get an updated, high-efficiency system for only one small monthly payment. And receive maintenance, repairs and parts at no added cost.*
Call us at 205-267-0023 to request an appointment today. We’ll talk through your budget and needs to help you locate the right comfort unit for your residence.