Phasing Out Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and How It Impacts HVAC Service in Richmond
The HVAC industry is beginning to experience a big shift, moving toward new HVAC refrigerants required 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 establishing new standards for the refrigerants used in the manufacturing of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The next generation of coolants has a smaller environmental impact compared to the coolants currently used.
As you can expect, this will significantly affect how HVACsystems are sold and maintained. But will your current cooling system be impacted? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can give you insights. We’ll share details about the reason why the air conditioning refrigerant R410a is being replaced and how this may impact you.
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Understanding the Existing HVAC Refrigerant Regulations
This summer, 2024, will be crucial to this shift. R-410A production has already been limited by 40%, creating an increase on the cost of both maintaining existing units and buying new air conditioners. Most HVAC manufacturers have begun to replace their current air conditioning and heating product lines over the year, getting ready for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to fully end the manufacturing of systems with R410A.
Beginning in January 2025, all new air conditioners and heat pumps will need to be manufactured with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Servicing for older and current R410a AC systems will still be doable, but eventually, the supply of refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that leads to the question: Why IS R-410A being phased out?
Why Is R-410A Being Phased Out?
R-410A is undeniably the leading refrigerant, having been used for decades as the conventional choice for conventional AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains high levels of a compound known to contribute to global warming. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA released its comprehensive outline to drastically limit R410A consumption. The initiative calls for the introduction of A2L, a a type of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the industry has needed to adapt to new 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 minimize the impact these substances have on the environment.
The newer class of A2L coolants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one significant difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable. However, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as new systems using A2L have been designed with the utmost safety in mind.
What Type of Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?
To determine the type of refrigerant your air conditioner has, begin by looking at the tag on the outdoor unit or for the info in your owner’s manual. This label typically lists the refrigerant used, along with other important details like model number and other details. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact 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 widespread type in newer air conditioners. If your AC was set up after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses R410a. Look for a sticker or sticker on the external unit that indicates “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another modern A2L-class refrigerant, used for a smaller impact on the environment.
R-22: R-22 was the usual choice for many years, but it’s already been replaced due to its negative impact on the ozone layer. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may still use R-22.
R134a: R134a is uncommon in household air conditioning, and is more common in automotive air conditioning.
If your air conditioner was set up in 2010 or before…
You probably have an AC unit that still uses R-22 refrigerant. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be costlier as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with older R-22 systems should think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and environmentally-friendly. It’s still possible to replace your system with one using R-410a, but you should remember that the availability of R-410A is starting to decline. You could also swap out the older AC with a brand-new A2L-based system, and you have Expert local resources from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate this confusing home comfort headache.
If your cooling system was installed after 2010…
You likely have a system that uses R410a. You won’t need to schedule replacement right away, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service costs for these units will only grow more expensive.
Choosing the Best Coolant with Help 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 cost-effective cooling comfort for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you install the ideal system for your home, so schedule an appointment today.
