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Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R410a Coolant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Wasatch Front

The cooling industry is beginning to experience a big change, moving toward safer HVAC refrigerants required by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling industry to systematically eliminate the current class of refrigerants while also establishing new guidelines for the refrigerants used in the design of central AC units and heat pumps. The latest kind of coolants has a lower environmental impact than the refrigerants currently in use.

As you can imagine, this will drastically change how HVACsystems are marketed and maintained. 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 share a few details about the reason why the AC refrigerant R410a is being phased out and how it could affect you.

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

Learning About the Existing HVAC Refrigerant Rules

This year, 2024, will be important to this transition. R410A production has already been cut by 40%, creating upward pressure on the cost of both servicing existing units and purchasing new air conditioners. Most HVAC manufacturers have begun to replace their existing air conditioning and heat pump units over the year, preparing for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to entirely stop the creation of systems with R-410A.

As of January 2025, all new air conditioning systems and mini-split heat pumps will have to be made with the next generation of A2L refrigerants in mind. Servicing for existing R410a AC systems will still be available, but in the future, replacement refrigerant will become less available and its price will rise. But that leads to the question: Just WHY is R-410A being phased out?

Why Is R-410A Being Replaced?

R410a is far and away the leading coolant, having been used for many years as the standard for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, new research findings have shown that this refrigerant contains high levels of a chemical known to cause climate change. To combat this, in September 2021 the EPA released its comprehensive outline to drastically limit R-410A use. The strategy calls for the use of A2L, a a type of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the industry has had to change 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 helps reduce the impact these chemicals have on the environment.

The newer class of A2L coolants are, like other 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 utmost safety in mind.

What Coolant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?

To find out what kind of refrigerant your cooling system needs, start by looking at the tag on the external unit or for the info in your AC guide. This label usually shows the refrigerant used, along with other vital information like serial number and other details. If you can’t locate the details you need, don’t hesitate to call the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. They can help you figure out your AC’s refrigerant as well as its age.

R410a: R410a is the most widespread choice in modern cooling systems. If your air conditioner was installed after 2010, there’s a good chance it has R410a. Look for a tag or marking on the external unit that indicates “R410a”.

R-32: R-32 is another newer A2L-class refrigerant, chosen for a lower environmental impact.

R-22: R-22 was the standard refrigerant for a long time, but it’s already been replaced due to its harmful effect on the ozone layer. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may still run on R-22.

R134a: R134a is less frequent in home AC units, and is more common in the air conditioning used in cars.

If your cooling HVAC system was put in in 2010 or before… 

You are more likely to have an AC unit that still runs on R-22 refrigerant. Working with R-22 systems will be expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with older R-22 systems should 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 keep in mind that the supply of R-410A is starting to decline. You can also swap out the older unit with a modern A2L-class unit, and you have Expert local support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this frustrating home comfort headache.

If your cooling system was installed after 2010…

You most likely have a system with R410a. There’s no need to take immediate action, but remember that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service expenses for these units will get higher and higher.

Choosing the Right Coolant with Help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

By carefully selecting 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 install the best system for your home, so request your appointment today.

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