Your AC system uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat within your home outside. This makes your home cool and refreshing. The model of refrigerant used in your San Antonio home’s air conditioner has been modified a couple of times over the years, keeping up with technological advances and environmental considerations.
All new home AC units in San Antonio uses R410a, also referred to as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually no longer be made. This is a result of a sustained concentration on restricting chemicals known to have an effect on the environment.
To understand the “why” that drives air conditioning rules, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million houses 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 capabilities.
The issue in question is the refrigerant these systems use to create the cooling we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your unit was installed after January 1, 2010, it probably has R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to get prepared for the phaseout. So, it’s not a thing you should be worried about now.
Strategies and dates have been fixed for commercial cooling systems. But the starting point of the phaseout for residential cooling systems hasn’t yet been determined. However, the phaseout could start around 2024 and take 10 years to finish.
At that time, you might need to buy a new your system regardless, because the regular life span for a cooling system is usually 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This refrigerant isn’t being created currently, but there are still many San Antonio residential air conditioning systems using R22. If you have to get work, it could be very expensive because only recovered and recycled refrigerant is attainable.
A lot of the time, we recommend installing a new your unit as a result of the rising prices of keeping up an AC with R22. Plus, you’ll be getting a more energy-efficient unit.
Give our Experts a call at 210-570-9705 today and we’ll help you get started locating a modern solution.
How Do I Determine What Type Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what kind of refrigerant your AC has, you can find its nameplate. This piece is often found on the exterior condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you’re unable to come across it, San Antonio residents should call us at 210-570-9705 and our pros can provide support.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older formulas of refrigerants can harm the planet and contribute to 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. Researchers found it was damaging to the atmosphere and ozone, so production permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the alternative for R22. It’s what you’ll find in all new cooling units today.
What Should I Do in the Meantime?
If your air conditioning is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a great time to start prepping for this purchase.
We get that getting a new system can be a major expense. That’s why we have our exclusive Advantage Program™ in addition to financing, With our Advantage Program, you can receive a new, high-efficiency system for only one little monthly payment. And get maintenance, repairs and parts at no additional price.*
Get in touch with us at 210-570-9705 to schedule an appointment now. We’ll go over your budget and needs to help you select the ideal comfort system for your home.