Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Orlando
The air conditioning industry is entering a big transition, shifting to safer HVAC refrigerants mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the HVAC field to gradually phase out the current class of coolants while also setting up new standards for the refrigerants used in the design of central AC units and heat pumps. The next generation of coolants has a smaller environmental impact than the coolants currently used.
As you can guess, this will significantly change how HVACsystems are marketed and serviced. But will your present AC unit be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll share a few details about the reason why the AC refrigerant R-410A is being replaced and how it could impact you.
For all the details, read or download our full information packet!
Learning About the Latest HVAC Coolant Regulations
This year, 2024, will be crucial to this shift. R410A manufacturing has already been limited by 40%, causing an increase on the price of both repairing older systems and buying new AC systems. Most HVAC manufacturers have started to update their existing air conditioning and heating units over the year, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to fully stop the creation of units with R-410A.
As of January 2025, all new AC systems and heat pumps will need to be designed with the next generation of A2L-class coolants in mind. Servicing for existing R410a AC systems will still be available, but in the future, the supply of refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that poses the question: Just WHY is R410a getting the boot?
Why Is R410a Being Phased Out?
R410a is far and away the most common coolant, having been used for decades as the conventional choice for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, new research has shown that this refrigerant contains elevated amounts of a chemical known to cause climate change. To address this, in September 2021 the EPA released its specific strategy to significantly reduce R410A use. The initiative mandates the adoption of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the field has had to change to evolving environmental goals. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was first swapped out itself by R-410A. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government helps reduce the impact these chemicals have on the environment.
The new class of A2L coolants are, like past refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are slightly flammable. At the same time, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as the newest air conditioners using A2L have been designed with the highest safety standards in mind.
What Type of Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?
To find out which refrigerant your cooling system needs, begin by looking at the sticker on the outdoor unit or for the info in your AC guide. This label generally provides the refrigerant used, along with other important details like serial number and other details. If you can’t find the details you need, don’t hesitate to call the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. They can help you identify your refrigerant type as well as its age.
R410a: R410a is the most common option in recent air conditioners. If your cooling unit was put in after 2010, there’s a good chance it uses R410a. Look for a tag or sticker on the external unit that mentions “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another recent A2L-class refrigerant, selected for a smaller impact on the environment.
R-22: R-22 was the standard refrigerant for decades, but it’s already been replaced due to its damage to the ozone layer. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may still run on R-22.
R134a: R134a is rarely found in household air conditioning, and is more frequent in the AC system your car uses.
If your AC unit was put in in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have an AC unit that still runs on R-22 refrigerant. Service for R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with older R-22 systems may want to think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and environmentally-friendly. It’s still possible to replace current systems with one using R-410a, but you should keep in mind that the supply of R-410A is starting to deplete. You could also change the older unit with a modern A2L-class unit, and you have Expert local support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate this annoying home comfort problem.
If your cooling system was installed after 2010…
You likely have a system compatible with R410a. You won’t need to do anything immediately, but remember that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will get higher and higher.
Picking the Correct Coolant with Support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully picking your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can make sure you get the most cost-effective cooling comfort for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find the best system for your home, so schedule an appointment today.
