Replacing Your AC’s R-410A Coolant and How It Impacts AC Services in Gaithersburg
The air conditioning industry is starting to undergo a significant change, moving toward safer HVAC refrigerants required by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling field to slowly replace the current class of coolants while also establishing new requirements for the refrigerants used in the production of central AC units and heat pumps. The latest kind of refrigerants has a lower environmental impact compared to the coolants currently in use.
As you can expect, this will significantly alter how air conditioners are marketed and maintained. But will your present AC unit be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll offer details about the reason why the air conditioning coolant R410a is being replaced and how this may impact you.
For extra details, read or download our available information packet!
Learning About the Current HVAC Refrigerant Regulations
This year, 2024, will be important to this transition. R-410A manufacturing has already been limited by 40%, putting an increase on the price of both servicing older systems and buying new air conditioners. Most HVAC brands have begun to replace their older AC and heat pump models over the year, getting ready for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to entirely end the production of systems with R410A.
As of January 2025, all new AC systems and heat pumps will have to be made with the new class of A2L-class coolants in mind. Maintenance for existing R410a units will still be doable, but over time, 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 Replaced?
R410a is by far today’s most common refrigerant, having been used for many years as the standard for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains a significant amount of a substance known to lead to global warming. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA issued its specific strategy to majorly limit R-410A consumption. The strategy calls for the introduction of A2L, a different class of new refrigerants.
This isn’t the first time the sector has needed to adapt to evolving 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 helps limit the impact these substances have on the environment.
The new class of A2L coolants are, like past 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 with A2L have been designed with the highest safety standards in mind.
What Type of Refrigerant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?
To find out which refrigerant your air conditioner needs, try looking at the sticker on the external unit or for the info in your AC guide. This tag typically lists the type of refrigerant, along with other important details like unit specifications and other details. If you can’t find the information you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to 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 widespread type in recent air conditioners. If your air conditioner was put in after 2010, there’s a good chance it contains R410a. Look for a label or label on the outside unit that says “R410a”.
R-32: R-32 is another newer A2L-class refrigerant, used for a smaller impact on the environment.
R-22: R-22 was the standard refrigerant for decades, but it’s already been replaced due to its negative impact on the ozone layer. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may still run on R-22.
R134a: R134a is rarely found in home AC units, and is more frequent in the AC system your car uses.
If your cooling HVAC system was installed in 2010 or before…
You are most likely to have an AC unit that still uses R-22. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with old R-22 systems should think about 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 remember that the availability of R-410A is beginning to decline. You could also replace the older AC with a new A2L-based system, and you have Expert local service from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this confusing home comfort headache.
If your AC unit was set up after 2010…
You probably have a system with R410a. You don’t have to take immediate action, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service expenses for these units will only grow more expensive.
Choosing the Right Coolant with Support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
By carefully selecting your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can make sure you get the most cost-effective cooling comfort for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find the ideal system for your home, so request your appointment today.
