Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R410a Coolant and How It Impacts AC Services in East Syracuse

The HVAC industry is beginning to experience a significant transition, moving toward safer HVAC refrigerants mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the HVAC sector to gradually phase out the current class of refrigerants while also introducing new requirements for the refrigerants used in the production of central AC units and heat pumps. The latest kind of coolants has a smaller environmental impact compared to the coolants currently in use.

As you can imagine, this will drastically change how HVACsystems are offered and serviced. 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 give a few details about why the air conditioning refrigerant R-410A is being phased out and how it could affect you.

For extra details, read or download our free information packet!

Learning About the Existing HVAC Coolant Rules

This summer, 2024, will be crucial to this transition. R-410A availability has already been limited by 40%, causing an increase on the cost of both maintaining current AC systems and buying new air conditioners. Most HVAC manufacturers have started to swap out their older AC and heat pump product lines over the season, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely halt the creation of systems with R-410A.

Beginning in January 2025, all new air conditioners and mini-split heat pumps will be required to be manufactured with the next generation of A2L-class coolants in mind. Repairs for older and current R410a units will still be doable, but over time, replacement refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that makes you ask: Why IS R410a being replaced?

Why Is R-410A Being Eliminated?

R-410A is far and away the most common refrigerant, having been used for decades as the conventional choice for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, new research findings have shown that this refrigerant contains elevated amounts of a substance known to cause climate change. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA released its detailed plan to majorly reduce R410A consumption. The plan mandates the use of A2L, a different class of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the sector has needed to adapt to shifting environmental regulations. 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 helps limit the impact these substances have on our environment.

The coming class of A2L refrigerants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are somewhat more flammable. However, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as the newest air conditioners using A2L have been designed with the utmost safety in mind.

Which Refrigerant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?

To find out what kind of refrigerant your AC unit has, try looking at the tag on the outside 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 get the information you need, don’t hesitate to call 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 frequent type in newer air conditioners. If your cooling unit was installed after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses R410a. Look for a sticker or label on the outside 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 common choice for a long time, 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 run on 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 more likely to have an AC unit that still runs on R-22. Working with R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners 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 an R-22 AC unit with one using R-410a, but you should realize that the supply of R-410A is beginning to decline. You could also swap out the older AC with a brand-new A2L-class unit, and you have Expert local service from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this annoying home comfort headache.

If your air conditioner was installed after 2010…

You likely have a system with R410a. You won’t need to do anything immediately, but don’t forget that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service costs for these units will only grow more expensive.

Selecting the Correct Refrigerant with Assistance from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

By carefully selecting your new or replacement cooling HVAC system or heat pump, you can make sure you get the most energy-efficient air conditioning 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 schedule an appointment today.