Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Ocala
The cooling industry is entering a big transition, moving toward new HVAC refrigerants mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the HVAC sector to slowly replace the current class of coolants while also introducing new requirements for the refrigerants used in the manufacturing of central AC units and heat pumps. The next generation of coolants has a lower environmental impact compared to the coolants currently used.
As you can guess, this will greatly change how HVACsystems are offered and maintained. But will your current AC unit be impacted? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll offer a few details about why the AC refrigerant R410a is being replaced and how this may affect you.
For full details, read or download our available information packet!
Understanding the Existing HVAC Refrigerant Guidelines
This year, 2024, will be crucial to this shift. R-410A availability has already been reduced by 40%, creating an increase on the price of both maintaining existing units and purchasing new AC systems. Most HVAC brands have begun to swap out their older AC and heating models over the year, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely stop the manufacturing of systems with R-410A.
Beginning in January 2025, all new air conditioners and mini-split heat pumps will need to be made with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Repairs for current and older R410a units will still be available, but eventually, replacement refrigerant will become scarce and its price will rise. But that makes you ask: Why IS R-410A getting the boot?
Why Is R410a Being Replaced?
R-410A is by far the leading coolant, having been used for decades as the go-to for conventional AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains a significant amount of a compound known to cause climate change. To address this, in September 2021 the EPA released its detailed plan to drastically cut R-410A use. The plan mandates the adoption of A2L, a different class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the sector has had to change to new eco-friendly standards. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was also replaced by R-410A. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government works to minimize the impact these substances have on our environment.
The coming class of A2L refrigerants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. The new A2L refrigerants are somewhat more flammable. That being said, 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 Air Conditioner Use?
To find out the type of refrigerant your air conditioner has, start by looking at the tag on the outdoor unit or for the info in your user manual. This tag generally provides the type of refrigerant, along with other important details like model number and other details. If you can’t find the details you are looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. They can help you identify your AC’s refrigerant as well as its age.
R410a: R410a is the most common choice in newer air conditioners. If your cooling unit was put in after 2010, there’s a strong possibility it contains R410a. Look for a sticker or sticker on the outdoor unit that indicates “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another recent A2L-class refrigerant, used for a smaller impact on the environment.
R-22: R-22 was the common choice for decades, but it’s already been eliminated due to its damage to the ozone layer. If your AC is more than 15 years old, it may still contain R-22.
R134a: R134a is uncommon in residential cooling systems, and is more frequent in the air conditioning used in cars.
If your cooling HVAC system was put in in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have an air conditioner that still contains R-22 refrigerant. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with old R-22 systems should think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and environmentally-friendly. 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 can also change the older system with a modern A2L system, and you have Expert local service from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate this frustrating home comfort headache.
If your air conditioner was put in after 2010…
You most likely have a system compatible with R410a. You don’t have to take immediate action, but remember that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will only grow more expensive.
Selecting the Best Coolant with Assistance from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully selecting your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can ensure 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 install the perfect system for your home, so schedule an appointment today.
