Replacing Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Long Island
The cooling industry is entering a significant shift, transitioning to new 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 refrigerants while also establishing new requirements for the refrigerants used in the design of central AC units and heat pumps. The latest kind of refrigerants has a lower environmental impact than the refrigerants currently in use.
As you can imagine, this will significantly affect how air conditioners are offered 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 give a few details about the reason why the AC refrigerant R-410A is being replaced and how this may affect you.
For full details, read or download our full information packet!
Learning About the Current HVAC Coolant Regulations
This summer, 2024, will be important to this shift. R-410A availability has already been reduced by 40%, putting rising costs on the cost of both repairing current AC systems and installing new air conditioners. Most HVAC brands have started to replace their current air conditioning and heating units over the year, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to entirely halt the production of systems with R-410A.
Starting in January 2025, all new AC systems and heat pumps will need to be manufactured with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Servicing for existing R410a AC systems will still be possible, but in the future, replacement refrigerant will become less available and its price will rise. But that poses the question: Just WHY is R410a being phased out?
Why Is R-410A Being Replaced?
R-410A is far and away the leading coolant, having been used for a long time as the conventional choice for central AC systems. Unfortunately, new research findings have shown that this refrigerant contains high levels of a chemical known to contribute to global warming. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA put out its detailed plan to drastically limit R-410A use. The strategy requires the adoption of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the field has needed to adapt to shifting environmental regulations. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was also replaced by R410a. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government works to minimize the impact these substances have on our environment.
The newer class of A2L coolants are, like past refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one significant difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are somewhat more flammable. However, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as the newest air conditioners with A2L have been designed with the utmost safety in mind.
What Coolant Does My Home AC Use?
To determine which refrigerant your air conditioner uses, begin by looking at the label on the external unit or for the info in your user manual. This label usually shows the type of refrigerant, along with other vital information 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 figure out your refrigerant type as well as its age.
R410a: R410a is the most widespread option in recent cooling systems. If your AC was set up after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has R410a. Look for a sticker or label on the outside unit that mentions “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another newer A2L-class refrigerant, used for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the standard refrigerant for many years, but it’s already been eliminated due to its negative impact on the ozone layer. If your cooling system is more than 15 years old, it may still contain R-22.
R134a: R134a is rarely found in residential cooling systems, and is more usual in the AC system your car uses.
If your AC unit was set up in 2010 or before…
You are more likely to have an AC unit that still runs on R-22 refrigerant. Service for R-22 systems will be expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with old R-22 systems should think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and better for the environment. It’s still possible to replace an R-22 AC unit with one using R-410a, but you should remember that the stock of R-410A is starting to decline. You could also change the older system with a brand-new A2L system, and you have Expert local service from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you solve this annoying home comfort headache.
If your cooling system was installed after 2010…
You most likely have a system compatible with R410a. There’s no need to schedule replacement right away, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service costs for these units will continue to rise.
Picking the Right Refrigerant with Help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully choosing your new or replacement cooling HVAC system or heat pump, you can make sure you get the most efficient air conditioning 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 schedule an appointment today.
