You might not think often about how your air conditioner operates, but it relies on refrigerant to keep your house cold. This refrigerant is subject to environmental laws, as it contains chemicals.
Subject to when your air conditioner was put in, it may use R-22, R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. We’ll go over the differences and which air conditioner refrigerants are being phased out in Portland, as well as how these phaseouts have on influence on you.
What’s R-22 and Why Is It No Longer Being Made?
If your air conditioner was added before 2010, it likely has Freon®. You can discover if your air conditioner has it by reaching us at 971-245-2459. You can also examine the name plate on your air conditioner condenser, which is situated outside your home. This sticker will contain info on what type of refrigerant your AC needs.
Freon, which is also known as R-22, contains chlorine. Scientists consider this chemical to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer and one that prompts global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency, which controls refrigerants in the United States, outlawed its manufacture and import in January 2020.
I Have a R-22 Air Conditioner. Should I Replace It?
It differs. If your air conditioning is cooling as designed, you can continue to run it. With yearly air conditioner maintenance, you can expect your AC to last around 15–20 years. However, the Department of Energy notes that substituting a 10-year-old air conditioner could save you 20–40% on annual cooling costs!
If you don’t replace your air conditioner, it can lead to difficulties if you have to have air conditioning repair down the road, specifically