Phasing Out Your AC’s R410a Coolant and How It Impacts HVAC Service in Louisville
The cooling industry is entering a major change, shifting to new HVAC refrigerants as part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the HVAC field to slowly replace the current class of coolants while also introducing new guidelines for the refrigerants used in the manufacturing of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The new class of coolants has a lower environmental impact than the refrigerants currently in use.
As you can imagine, this will greatly change how AC systems 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 information about why the AC coolant R-410A is being replaced and how it could affect you.
For full details, read or download our free information packet!
Understanding the Current HVAC Refrigerant Guidelines
This year, 2024, will be crucial to this change. R-410A availability has already been cut by 40%, causing rising costs on the price of both repairing existing units and purchasing new air conditioners. Most HVAC manufacturers have started to swap out their current air conditioning and heating units over the year, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely halt the creation of systems with R-410A.
Starting in January 2025, all new AC systems and mini-split heat pumps will be required to be designed with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Maintenance for existing R-410A systems will still be possible, but eventually, replacement refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that poses the question: Just WHY is R410a getting the boot?
Why Is R-410A Being Eliminated?
R-410A is undeniably the leading refrigerant, having been used for a long time 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 climate change. To address this, in September 2021 the EPA released its specific strategy to drastically cut R-410A consumption. The initiative mandates the use of A2L, a a type of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the field has needed to adapt to new environmental goals. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was itself replaced by R-410A. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government works to minimize the impact these chemicals have on the environment.
The coming class of A2L coolants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one major difference, however. The new A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable. However, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as new systems with A2L have been designed with the utmost safety in mind.
Which Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?
To determine the type of refrigerant your cooling system has, start by looking at the sticker on the outdoor unit or for the info in your user manual. This tag generally provides the type of refrigerant, along with other vital information like model number and other details. If you can’t locate the information you are looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to 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 frequent option in modern cooling systems. If your AC was set up after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses R410a. Look for a label or sticker on the outside unit that says “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another modern A2L-class refrigerant, chosen for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the common choice for decades, but it’s already been replaced due to its harmful effect on the ozone layer. If your cooling system is more than 15 years old, it may still use R-22.
R134a: R134a is uncommon in home AC units, and is more frequent in the AC system your car uses.
If your AC unit was installed in 2010 or before…
You probably have a cooling HVAC system that still runs on R-22. Service for R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Households with old R-22 systems will need to think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and better for the environment. It’s still possible to replace your system with one using R-410a, but you should realize that the stock of R-410A is starting to decline. You can also replace the older system with a new A2L system, and you have Expert local resources from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this frustrating home comfort problem.
If your air conditioner was set up after 2010…
You most likely have a system compatible with R410a. You won’t need to do anything immediately, but don’t forget that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service expenses for these units will continue to rise.
Picking the Right Coolant with Assistance from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully choosing your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can ensure you get the most efficient comfort solution for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find the best system for your home, so request your appointment today.
