Your AC unit uses a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat within your house outside. This makes your home chilly and comfy. The type of refrigerant used in your Charlotte house’s air conditioner has been modified a couple of times over the years, keeping up with innovative advances and environmental concerns.
All modern home AC units in Charlotte have R410a, also referred to as Puron. But this refrigerant will consequently be discontinued. This is because of a continuous concentration on reducing chemicals known to negatively impact the environment.
To understand the “why” that causes air conditioning restrictions, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million houses in the USA have cooling systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
But it’s not actually the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling performance.
The issue in question is the refrigerant these units use to produce the refreshing air we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your system was installed after January 1, 2010, it likely has R410a. And there’s an extended amount of time for you to get ready for the phaseout. So, it’s not an issue you should be bothered about during this time.
Plans and timetables have been fixed for commercial cooling systems. But the start of the phaseout for residential cooling systems hasn’t yet been set. However, the phaseout could start around 2024 and take 10 years to complete.
At that time, you could need to buy a new your unit anyhow, as the regular life expectancy for an air conditioning system is about 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This compound isn’t being produced anymore, but there are still a lot of Charlotte residential cooling systems that use R22. If you have to get repairs, it could be very pricey since only reclaimed and recycled refrigerant is available.
In many cases, we propose upgrading your equipment because of the growing expenses of sustaining an AC with R22. Plus, you’ll be getting a more energy-efficient system.
Give our Experts a call at 704-705-8135 today and we’ll help you start choosing an updated unit.
How Do I Find Out Which Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re unsure what type of refrigerant your AC has, you can check its panel. This piece is typically situated on the outdoor condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you’re still not able to locate it, Charlotte residents should call us at 704-705-8135 and our Experts can assist you.
Why are Refrigerants Damaging to the Environment?
Older kinds of refrigerants can harm the planet and contribute to climate change. Here’s a look at the history of residential air conditioner refrigerants:
- Residential air conditioners have used R22, or Freon, for many decades. Scientists determined it was harmful to the atmosphere and ozone, so production permanently halted on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll see in all new air conditioning systems now.
What Should I Do in the Meantime?
If your air conditioning is close to (or older than) 15 years, now’s a fantastic time to get started preparing for replacement.
We know that buying a new system can be a big expense. That’s why we provide our exclusive Advantage Program™ plus financing, With our Advantage Program, you can receive a new, high-efficiency system for only one small monthly payment. And receive maintenance, repairs and parts at no additional price.*
Get in touch with us at 704-705-8135 to set up an appointment now. We’ll go over your budget and needs to help you pick the best comfort system for your residence.