Replacing Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and How It Impacts HVAC Service in Oklahoma City
The HVAC industry is starting to undergo a big change, moving toward new HVAC refrigerants as part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the HVAC field to gradually phase out the current class of refrigerants while also establishing new standards 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 used.
As you can imagine, this will significantly alter how AC systems are marketed and repaired. But will your present cooling system be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll give a few details about the reason why the AC coolant R410a is being replaced and how it could affect you.
For full details, read or download our full information packet!
Understanding the Current HVAC Refrigerant Rules
This summer, 2024, will be pivotal to this shift. R410A availability has already been reduced by 40%, creating an increase on the cost of both servicing current AC systems and buying new AC systems. Most HVAC manufacturers have begun to update their existing AC and heating models over the season, preparing for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to fully halt the production of systems with R410A.
Beginning in January 2025, all new AC systems and mini-split heat pumps will be required to be manufactured with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Repairs for older and current R410a units will still be available, but over time, replacement refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that leads to the question: Why IS R410a being phased out?
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, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains elevated amounts of a compound known to lead to global warming. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA put out its detailed plan to significantly reduce R410A use. The plan requires the adoption of A2L, a a type of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the field has needed to adapt to new eco-friendly standards. 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 reduce the impact these substances have on the environment.
The coming class of A2L refrigerants are, like past refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. The 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 Air Conditioner Use?
To figure out which refrigerant your cooling system needs, begin by looking at the tag 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 model number and other details. If you can’t find 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 frequent type in newer air conditioners. If your AC was installed after 2010, there’s a strong possibility it uses R410a. Look for a label or marking on the outdoor unit that says “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another recent A2L-class refrigerant, used for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the usual choice for many years, but it’s already been phased out due to its negative impact 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 frequent in the air conditioning used in cars.
If your cooling HVAC system was set up in 2010 or before…
You are more likely to have an air conditioner that still runs on R-22. Service for R-22 systems will be expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with older R-22 systems may want to consider replacing it with one that’s more efficient and better for the environment. It’s still possible to replace an R-22 AC unit with one using R-410a, but you should realize that the stock of R-410A is beginning to run out. You can also replace the older unit with a modern A2L system, and you have Expert local resources from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate this annoying home comfort problem.
If your cooling system was installed after 2010…
You likely have a system with R410a. There’s no need to take immediate action, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will get higher and higher.
Selecting the Best Coolant with Help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By carefully choosing your new or replacement air conditioner or heat pump, you can make sure 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.
