Replacing Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and How It Impacts HVAC Service in Daytona Beach
The air conditioning industry is starting to undergo a major shift, moving toward safer HVAC refrigerants as part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling sector to gradually phase out the current class of coolants while also introducing new requirements for the refrigerants used in the manufacturing of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The next generation of refrigerants has a smaller environmental impact compared to the coolants currently in use.
As you can imagine, this will drastically affect how air conditioners are marketed and maintained. But will your existing air conditioner be impacted? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll give information about why the AC refrigerant R-410A is being replaced and how this may impact you.
For more details, read or download our available information packet!
Understanding the Current HVAC Refrigerant Rules
This year, 2024, will be pivotal to this change. R-410A manufacturing has already been reduced by 40%, putting rising costs on the cost of both repairing older systems and purchasing new cooling units. Most HVAC manufacturers have begun to replace their older AC and heat pump models over the summer, getting ready for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to entirely stop the manufacturing of systems with R410A.
Beginning in January 2025, all new air conditioners and heat pumps will need to be designed with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Maintenance for current and older R410a units will still be available, but eventually, the supply of refrigerant will become less available and its price will rise. But that poses the question: Why IS R410a being phased out?
Why Is R410a Being Eliminated?
R410a is far and away the most common refrigerant, having been used for decades as the go-to for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains a significant amount of a substance known to contribute to global warming. To address this, in September 2021 the EPA released its detailed plan to drastically limit R410A consumption. The plan mandates the use of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the industry has had to change to shifting environmental goals. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was itself replaced by R410a. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government works to limit the impact these substances have on our environment.
The coming class of A2L coolants are, like previous refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one major difference, however. The new A2L refrigerants are somewhat more flammable. At the same time, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as new systems with A2L have been designed with the highest safety standards in mind.
What Type of Refrigerant Does My Home AC Use?
To figure out the type of refrigerant your cooling system has, try looking at the sticker on the external unit or for the info in your user manual. This label usually shows the refrigerant used, along with other vital information like model number and other details. If you can’t locate the information you need, don’t hesitate to call the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. They can help you figure out your refrigerant type as well as its age.
R410a: R410a is the most frequent type in modern air conditioners. If your air conditioner was set up after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has R410a. Look for a sticker or marking on the external unit that says “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another newer A2L-class refrigerant, chosen for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the usual choice for decades, but it’s already been replaced due to its damage to the ozone layer. If your cooling system is more than 15 years old, it may still use R-22.
R134a: R134a is rarely found in home AC units, and is more frequent in the AC system your car uses.
If your air conditioner was set up in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have an AC unit that still contains R-22 refrigerant. Service for R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with old R-22 systems will need to think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and better for the environment. It’s still possible to replace your system with one using R-410a, but you should keep in mind that the stock of R-410A is beginning to decline. You can also replace the older unit with a modern A2L-based system, and you have Expert local resources from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this annoying home comfort problem.
If your AC unit was installed after 2010…
You probably have a system compatible with R410a. You don’t have to do anything immediately, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service expenses for these units will get higher and higher.
Selecting the Correct Refrigerant with Help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully selecting your new or replacement air conditioner or heat pump, you can guarantee you get the most energy-efficient comfort solution for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find the perfect system for your home, so book an appointment today.
