Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on AC Services in Tulsa
The air conditioning industry is entering a big change, moving toward new 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 coolants while also establishing new guidelines for the refrigerants used in the design of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The latest kind of coolants has a lower environmental impact than the ones currently in use.
As you can imagine, this will drastically alter how air conditioners are marketed and maintained. But will your present air conditioner be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can provide more details. We’ll share details about why the air conditioning refrigerant R-410A is being phased out and how it could affect you.
For all the details, read or download our free information packet!
Understanding the Existing HVAC Refrigerant Guidelines
This summer, 2024, will be important to this transition. R-410A manufacturing has already been cut by 40%, creating an increase on the cost of both repairing older systems and buying new cooling units. Most HVAC brands have started to replace their current air conditioning and heat pump product lines over the season, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to fully end the creation of units with R410A.
As of January 2025, all new air conditioners and heat pumps will be required to be manufactured with the next generation of A2L refrigerants in mind. Servicing for existing R410a units will still be available, but in the future, the supply of refrigerant will become less available and its price will rise. But that makes you ask: Why IS R-410A being phased out?
Why Is R-410A Being Phased Out?
R410a is undeniably the most common coolant, having been used for many years 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 lead to climate change. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA released its comprehensive outline to significantly cut R410A use. The initiative mandates the introduction of A2L, a a type of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the industry has needed to adapt to new environmental regulations. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was also replaced by R410a. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government works to limit the impact these chemicals have on the environment.
The newer class of A2L coolants are, like previous 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 highest safety standards in mind.
Which Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?
To determine what kind of refrigerant your air conditioner needs, try looking at the tag on the outside unit or for the info in your user manual. This tag generally provides the refrigerant used, along with other vital information like serial number and other details. If you can’t find the details you are looking for, 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 widespread option in recent air conditioners. If your cooling unit was set up after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has R410a. Look for a label or sticker on the outdoor unit that mentions “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another modern A2L-class refrigerant, used for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the common choice for a long time, but it’s already been phased out due to its damage to the ozone layer. If your cooling system 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 the air conditioning used in cars.
If your cooling HVAC system was installed in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have a cooling HVAC system that still uses R-22. Service for R-22 systems will be costlier as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Anyone with old R-22 systems will need to consider 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 keep in mind that the supply of R-410A is beginning to deplete. You can also replace the older unit with a modern A2L system, and you have Expert local service from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate this confusing home comfort headache.
If your cooling system was installed after 2010…
You most likely have a system with R410a. You don’t have to take immediate action, but don’t forget that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service costs for these units will get higher and higher.
Selecting the Correct Coolant with Support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully selecting your new or replacement air conditioner or heat pump, you can guarantee you get the most cost-effective comfort solution for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you discover the ideal system for your home, so request your appointment today.
