Phasing Out Your AC’s R410a Coolant and How It Impacts AC Services in Pierre
The air conditioning industry is starting to undergo a major shift, transitioning to different HVAC refrigerants as part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling field to systematically eliminate the current class of coolants while also setting up new guidelines for the refrigerants used in the design of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The latest kind of refrigerants has a lower environmental impact than the ones currently in use.
As you can expect, this will greatly affect how air conditioners are offered and repaired. But will your existing AC unit be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can give you insights. We’ll give details about why the air conditioning coolant R410a is being replaced and how it could affect you.
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Learning About the Existing HVAC Coolant Regulations
This year, 2024, will be important to this change. R-410A availability has already been reduced by 40%, putting upward pressure on the price of both repairing older systems and installing new air conditioners. Most HVAC brands have begun to replace their existing air conditioning and heat pump models over the summer, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely halt the manufacturing of systems with R410A.
As of 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 existing R-410A systems will still be possible, but in the future, the supply of refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that leads to the question: Just WHY is R410a being phased out?
Why Is R-410A Being Replaced?
R-410A is far and away today’s most common coolant, having been used for decades as the go-to for central AC systems. Unfortunately, new research has shown that this refrigerant contains a significant amount of a chemical known to contribute to climate change. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA released its detailed plan to drastically limit R-410A consumption. The strategy requires the use of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the field has had to change 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 new class of A2L refrigerants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. The new A2L refrigerants are somewhat more flammable. At the same time, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as new systems using A2L have been designed with the highest safety standards in mind.
What Coolant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?
To find out the type of refrigerant your cooling system needs, begin by looking at the sticker on the outside unit or for the info in your owner’s manual. This tag usually shows the refrigerant used, along with other important details like unit specifications and other details. If you can’t get the information you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to 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 widespread type in newer AC units. If your AC was set up after 2010, there’s a good chance it contains R410a. Look for a sticker or sticker on the external unit that mentions “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another newer A2L-class refrigerant, used for a lower environmental impact.
R-22: R-22 was the usual choice for decades, 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 rarely found in household air conditioning, and is more frequent in the AC system your car uses.
If your AC unit was put in in 2010 or before…
You are more likely to have an air conditioner that still runs on R-22 refrigerant. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Anyone 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 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 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 air conditioner was installed after 2010…
You likely have a system compatible with R410a. There’s no need to schedule replacement right away, but don’t forget that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will only grow more expensive.
Choosing the Right Coolant with Assistance from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By thoughtfully selecting your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can ensure you get the most efficient comfort for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you install the ideal system for your home, so request your appointment today.
