Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R410a Refrigerant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Uniondale
The HVAC industry is beginning to experience a significant transition, transitioning to different HVAC refrigerants required by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling sector to slowly replace the current class of coolants while also setting up new guidelines for the refrigerants used in the production of central AC units and heat pumps. The latest kind of refrigerants has a lower environmental impact than the coolants currently in use.
As you can guess, this will significantly affect how air conditioners are marketed and serviced. 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 share a few details about the reason why the air conditioning refrigerant R410a is being phased out and how it could affect you.
For all the details, read or download our free information packet!
Understanding the Current HVAC Refrigerant Regulations
This summer, 2024, will be pivotal to this shift. R-410A availability has already been reduced by 40%, causing rising costs on the cost of both repairing older systems and installing new cooling units. Most HVAC brands have begun to replace their older AC and heating models over the season, preparing for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to entirely stop the creation of units with R410A.
Beginning in January 2025, all new air conditioners and heat pumps will have to be designed with the new class of A2L-class coolants in mind. Repairs for older and current R410a AC systems will still be available, but eventually, replacement refrigerant will become scarce and its price will rise. But that leads to the question: Why IS R-410A getting the boot?
Why Is R410a Being Phased Out?
R-410A is undeniably today’s most common refrigerant, having been used for a long time as the standard for conventional AC systems. Unfortunately, new research has shown that this refrigerant contains high levels of a compound known to lead to climate change. To combat this, in September 2021 the EPA released its detailed plan to drastically cut R410A use. The initiative mandates the use of A2L, a a type of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the sector has had to change to shifting environmental goals. 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 try its best to reduce the impact these chemicals have on our environment.
The newer class of A2L coolants are, like previous refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one significant difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are slightly flammable. However, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as the newest air conditioners 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, try looking at the label on the outdoor unit or for the info in your AC guide. This tag typically lists the refrigerant used, along with other vital information like serial number and other details. If you can’t get the details you are looking for, 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 common type in modern cooling systems. If your AC was set up after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses R410a. Look for a sticker or sticker on the outside unit that mentions “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another modern A2L-class refrigerant, chosen for a smaller impact on the environment.
R-22: R-22 was the usual choice for a long time, but it’s already been phased out due to its damage to the ozone layer. If your AC is more than 15 years old, it may still run on R-22.
R134a: R134a is uncommon in household air conditioning, 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 uses R-22 refrigerant. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be costlier as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Households with old R-22 systems may want to think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and better for the environment. It’s still possible to replace current systems with one using R-410a, but you should realize that the supply of R-410A is beginning to deplete. You can also change the older AC with a new A2L-based system, and you have Expert local support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this frustrating home comfort problem.
If your air conditioner was installed after 2010…
You probably have a system with R410a. There’s no need to do anything immediately, but don’t forget that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service expenses for these units will only grow more expensive.
Selecting the Correct Refrigerant with Support 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 cost-effective comfort for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you install the best system for your home, so schedule an appointment today.
