Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Fort Lauderdale
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 industry to gradually phase out the current class of refrigerants while also introducing new requirements for the refrigerants used in the manufacturing of central AC units and heat pumps. The next generation of refrigerants has a smaller environmental impact compared to the coolants currently used.
As you can expect, this will greatly affect how air conditioners are offered and serviced. But will your present AC unit be impacted? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can give you insights. We’ll give information about why the air conditioning coolant R-410A is being replaced and how this may affect you.
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Learning About the Existing HVAC Coolant Guidelines
This year, 2024, will be important to this shift. R410A manufacturing has already been cut by 40%, causing rising costs on the price of both servicing current AC systems and purchasing new air conditioners. Most HVAC manufacturers have begun to replace their older air conditioning and heating models over the summer, getting ready for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely halt the production of systems with R-410A.
Starting in January 2025, all new AC systems and mini-split heat pumps will have to be made with the next generation of A2L-class coolants in mind. Repairs for older and current R410a AC systems will still be possible, but over time, the supply of refrigerant will become less available and its price will rise. But that leads to the question: Why IS R410a being replaced?
Why Is R410a Being Phased Out?
R-410A is far and away today’s most common refrigerant, having been used for a long time as the standard for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, new research has shown that this refrigerant contains elevated amounts of a substance known to lead to global warming. To combat this, in September 2021 the EPA put out its specific strategy to drastically reduce R410A use. The plan calls for the use of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the industry has had to change 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 try its best to limit the impact these substances have on the environment.
The newest class of A2L refrigerants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable. At the same time, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as new systems using A2L have been designed with the highest safety standards in mind.
What Coolant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?
To figure out what kind of refrigerant your air conditioner has, start by looking at the sticker on the outside unit or for the info in your AC guide. This tag generally provides the refrigerant used, along with other important details like serial number and other details. If you can’t locate the information 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 option in modern AC units. If your cooling unit was installed after 2010, there’s a strong possibility it uses R410a. Look for a label or label on the external unit that indicates “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another recent A2L-class refrigerant, chosen for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the common choice for many years, but it’s already been eliminated due to its harmful effect on the ozone layer. If your AC is more than 15 years old, it may still contain R-22.
R134a: R134a is less frequent in residential cooling systems, and is more usual in automotive air conditioning.
If your cooling HVAC system was set up in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have an air conditioner that still runs on R-22. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be costlier as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with older R-22 systems will need to think about 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 availability of R-410A is starting to run out. You could also change the older unit with a modern A2L-class unit, and you have Expert local service from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this frustrating home comfort headache.
If your cooling system was installed after 2010…
You likely have a system with R410a. You won’t need to take immediate action, but don’t forget that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service expenses for these units will continue to rise.
Choosing the Correct Refrigerant with Assistance from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully picking your new or replacement air conditioner or heat pump, you can guarantee 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 ideal system for your home, so request your appointment today.