Your AC equipment uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat within your house outside. This makes your residence chilled and comfy. The kind of refrigerant used in your Richmond house’s air conditioner has changed a few times as time has passed, keeping up with technological advances and environmental regards.
All new home AC units in Richmond run on R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be discontinued. This is due to a sustained attention on restricting compounds known to have an effect on the environment.
To learn the “why” that drives AC regulation, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million houses in the United States have air conditioners, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
But it’s not so much the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling functions.
The issue in question is the refrigerant these units use to produce the cooling we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your equipment was put in after January 1, 2010, it probably runs on R410a. And there’s a lot of time for you to prepare for the phaseout. So, it’s not a thing you should be bothered about immediately.
Plans and timetables have been determined for commercial cooling systems. But the start of the phaseout for residential cooling systems hasn’t yet been determined. However, the phaseout could begin around 2024 and take 10 years to finish.
By that time, you could need to buy a new your equipment anyway, as the ordinary life span for a cooling system is often 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This chemical isn’t being created today, but there are still a lot of Richmond residential AC systems using R22. If you have to get repairs, it might be very pricey as only recovered and recycled refrigerant is attainable.
A lot of the time, we propose buying a new your equipment because of the growing costs of sustaining an air conditioner with R22. Plus, you’ll be gaining a better energy-efficient system.
Give our Experts a call at 804-548-4480 today and we’ll help you start choosing a modern model.
How Do I Determine What Type Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re not sure what form of refrigerant your AC uses, you can look at its panel. This piece is usually found on the outside condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you still can’t locate it, Richmond residents should contact us at 804-548-4480 and our Experts can help.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older formulas of refrigerants can damage the ozone and lead to climate change. Here’s a look at the history of residential air conditioner refrigerants:
- Residential air conditioners have used R22, or Freon, for a long time. Researchers determined it was detrimental to the planet and ozone, so production permanently halted on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the replacement for R22. It’s what you’ll discover in all new air conditioners now.
What Should I Do in the Meantime?
If your AC is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a good time to begin planning for this purchase.
We understand that getting a new system can be a major expense. That’s why we have our exclusive Advantage Program™ plus financing, With our Advantage Program, you can have an up-to-date, high-efficiency system for merely one little monthly payment. And get maintenance, repairs and parts at no added price.*
Get in touch with us at 804-548-4480 to request an appointment now. We’ll discuss your budget and needs to help you select the best comfort solution for your residence.