Phasing Out Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on AC Services in Charlotte
The cooling industry is starting to undergo a major transition, shifting to new HVAC refrigerants as part of 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 introducing new standards for the refrigerants used in the production of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The latest kind of coolants has a smaller environmental impact compared to the ones currently used.
As you can expect, this will greatly affect how air conditioners are sold and maintained. But will your existing AC unit be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll offer information about the reason why the AC refrigerant R410a is being phased out and how this may impact you.
For extra details, read or download our full information packet!
Learning About the Latest HVAC Coolant Guidelines
This summer, 2024, will be crucial to this change. R-410A availability has already been cut by 40%, putting rising costs on the cost of both maintaining current AC systems and buying new air conditioners. Most HVAC brands have begun to replace their existing air conditioning and heat pump units over the season, getting ready for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to fully end the production of units with R-410A.
As of January 2025, all new air conditioners and mini-split heat pumps will be required to be designed with the next generation of A2L-class coolants in mind. Maintenance for existing R-410A systems will still be available, but over time, the supply of refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that leads to the question: Just WHY is R-410A getting the boot?
Why Is R410a Being Replaced?
R410a is far and away today’s most common coolant, having been used for many years as the conventional choice for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, new research has shown that this refrigerant contains high levels of a chemical known to cause climate change. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA released its specific strategy to drastically limit R-410A use. The initiative requires the adoption of A2L, a different class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the sector has had to change to evolving environmental regulations. 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 works to reduce the impact these substances have on the environment.
The coming class of A2L coolants are, like past refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one significant difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are somewhat more flammable. That being said, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as the newest air conditioners using A2L have been designed with the highest safety standards in mind.
What Coolant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?
To find out the type of refrigerant your cooling system needs, begin by looking at the tag on the external unit or for the info in your owner’s manual. This tag 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 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 refrigerant type as well as its age.
R410a: R410a is the most widespread choice in recent AC units. If your cooling unit was installed after 2010, there’s a strong possibility it has R410a. Look for a label or marking on the external unit that says “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another newer A2L-class refrigerant, used for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the common choice for a long time, but it’s already been eliminated due to its harmful effect on the ozone layer. If your cooling system is more than 15 years old, it may still run on R-22.
R134a: R134a is less frequent in household air conditioning, and is more common in the AC system your car uses.
If your air conditioner was put in in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have an AC unit that still runs on R-22. Service for R-22 systems will be expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Households with old R-22 systems should consider replacing it with one that’s more efficient and environmentally-friendly. It’s still possible to replace current systems with one using R-410a, but you should realize that the stock of R-410A is starting to decline. You could also change the older system with a modern A2L-based system, and you have Expert local resources from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you solve this confusing home comfort problem.
If your AC unit was installed after 2010…
You probably have a system with R410a. You don’t have to take immediate action, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will only grow more expensive.
Selecting the Right Refrigerant with Support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully selecting your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can make sure 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 find the perfect system for your home, so book an appointment today.
