Your AC equipment uses a chemical refrigerant to move warmth within your residence outside. This makes your home chilled and comfy. The kind of refrigerant used in your Knoxville house’s air conditioner has switched a few times as time has gone by, following technology advances and environmental concerns.
All updated home AC units in Knoxville have R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will consequently no longer be made. This is due to a continuous concentration on reducing chemicals known to negatively affect the environment.
To understand the “why” behind cooling regulation, it’s helpful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million houses in the USA have air conditioning, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
But it’s not actually the air conditioning system itself, or even its cooling functions.
The issue in question is the refrigerant this equipment use to make the cooling we enjoy.
Installed after 2010
If your unit was installed after January 1, 2010, it likely has R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to prepare for the phaseout. So, it’s not a thing you should be concerned about at this time.
Approaches and timetables have been fixed for commercial cooling units. But the beginning of the phaseout for residential air conditioning systems hasn’t yet been set. However, the phaseout could begin around 2024 and take 10 years to end.
By that time, you might need to buy a new your system regardless, because the ordinary life expectancy for an air conditioning system is typically 15 years.
Installed Before 2010
This chemical isn’t being made right now, but there are still lots of Knoxville residential cooling systems using R22. If you need work, it could be very pricey as only reacquired and recycled refrigerant is accessible.
A lot of the time, we suggest installing a new your unit due to the growing costs of keeping up an air conditioner with R22. Plus, you’ll be gaining a more energy-efficient solution.
Call our Experts at 865-229-6176 now and we’ll help you get started finding a new unit.
How Do I Know What Refrigerant My AC Uses?
If you’re uncertain what kind of refrigerant your air conditioning uses, you can find its nameplate. This piece is usually situated on the outside condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.
If you’re still not able to find it, Knoxville residents should call us at 865-229-6176 and our pros can help.
Why are Refrigerants Detrimental to the Environment?
Older formulas of refrigerants can damage the planet and cause 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 found it was harmful to the atmosphere and ozone, so manufacturing permanently stopped on January 1, 2020.
- R410a is the substitute for R22. It’s what you’ll discover in all new air conditioners currently.
What Should I Do in the Meantime?
If your AC is near (or older than) 15 years, now’s a great time to get started planning for installation.
We understand that getting a new system can be a major expense. That’s why we have our exclusive Advantage Program™ as well as financing, With our Advantage Program, you can get an updated, high-efficiency system for merely one small monthly payment. And enjoy maintenance, repairs and parts at no extra price.*
Call us at 865-229-6176 to schedule an appointment right away. We’ll talk through your budget and needs to help you pick the ideal comfort unit for your residence.