Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R-410A Coolant and How It Impacts HVAC Service in Indianapolis
The HVAC industry is beginning to experience a significant shift, transitioning to safer HVAC refrigerants as part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling industry to systematically eliminate the current class of coolants while also setting up new requirements for the refrigerants used in the production of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The latest kind of coolants has a lower environmental impact than the coolants currently used.
As you can imagine, this will significantly change how HVACsystems are offered and repaired. But will your existing AC unit be impacted? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can provide more details. We’ll give a few details about why the air conditioning refrigerant R-410A is being replaced and how it could impact you.
For extra details, read or download our full information packet!
Learning About the Existing HVAC Refrigerant Rules
This year, 2024, will be important to this shift. R-410A availability has already been reduced by 40%, causing rising costs on the price of both repairing older systems and installing new air conditioners. Most HVAC brands have started to swap out their current AC and heat pump models over the year, getting ready for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely halt the creation of units with R-410A.
Beginning in January 2025, all new AC systems and mini-split heat pumps will have to be designed with the next generation of A2L refrigerants in mind. Repairs for older and current R410a AC systems will still be available, but eventually, replacement refrigerant will become less available and its price will rise. But that makes you ask: Just WHY is R410a being replaced?
Why Is R410a Being Eliminated?
R410a is undeniably the leading coolant, having been used for a long time as the standard for central AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains high levels of a chemical known to contribute to climate change. To address this, in September 2021 the EPA issued its detailed plan to drastically reduce R410A consumption. The initiative mandates the introduction of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the sector has needed to adapt to new eco-friendly standards. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was itself replaced by R410a. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government try its best to reduce the impact these substances have on our environment.
The coming class of A2L coolants 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 new systems using A2L have been designed with the utmost safety in mind.
What Coolant Does My Home AC Use?
To figure out the type of refrigerant your air conditioner has, begin by looking at the label on the external unit or for the info in your AC guide. This label typically lists the type of refrigerant, along with other important details like model number and other details. If you can’t get the details you need, don’t hesitate to contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. They can help you identify your AC’s refrigerant as well as its age.
R410a: R410a is the most common type in newer cooling systems. If your air conditioner was set up after 2010, there’s a strong possibility it uses R410a. Look for a sticker or sticker on the external unit that indicates “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another modern A2L-class refrigerant, selected for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the common choice for many years, but it’s already been replaced due to its negative impact on the ozone layer. If your cooling system is more than 15 years old, it may still contain R-22.
R134a: R134a is uncommon in household air conditioning, and is more usual in automotive air conditioning.
If your AC unit was installed in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have an AC unit that still uses R-22 refrigerant. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with old R-22 systems may want to think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and better for the environment. It’s still possible to replace current systems with one using R-410a, but you should keep in mind that the stock of R-410A is starting to run out. You can also swap out the older system with a modern A2L system, and you have Expert local resources from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate this frustrating home comfort headache.
If your air conditioner was set up after 2010…
You most likely have a system that uses R410a. You don’t have to do anything immediately, but remember that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will only grow more expensive.
Picking the Correct Coolant with Help 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 air conditioning for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you install the best system for your home, so book an appointment today.
