Transitioning Away from Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Fort Myers

The HVAC industry is starting to undergo a big transition, shifting to different HVAC refrigerants mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the HVAC sector to slowly replace 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 next generation of coolants has a lower environmental impact compared to the refrigerants currently used.

As you can guess, this will greatly change how air conditioners are sold and serviced. But will your present air conditioner be impacted? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll give details about why the AC coolant R-410A is being phased out and how it could impact you.

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

Learning About the Existing HVAC Refrigerant Rules

This year, 2024, will be important to this shift. R-410A availability has already been cut by 40%, causing an increase on the price of both repairing older systems and purchasing new AC systems. Most HVAC manufacturers have begun to replace their existing air conditioning and heating product lines over the season, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to fully stop the creation of systems with R410A.

Starting in January 2025, all new air conditioners and mini-split heat pumps will need to be made with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Maintenance for older and current R-410A systems will still be doable, but over time, the supply of refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that makes you ask: Just WHY is R410a getting the boot?

Why Is R410a Being Eliminated?

R410a is undeniably today’s most common coolant, having been used for a long time as the conventional choice for central AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains a significant amount of a compound known to lead to climate change. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA issued its specific strategy to significantly limit R-410A use. The plan requires the use of A2L, a different class of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the field has needed to adapt to new environmental regulations. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was itself replaced by R-410A. 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 coolants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one major difference, however. This 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.

Which Refrigerant Does My Home AC Use?

To figure out the type of refrigerant your AC unit needs, start by looking at the sticker on the outdoor unit or for the info in your AC guide. This label generally provides the type of refrigerant, along with other vital information like unit specifications and other details. If you can’t get the information 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 common option in recent air conditioners. If your air conditioner was installed after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses R410a. Look for a tag or sticker on the external unit that indicates “R410a”.

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

R-22: R-22 was the common choice for many years, but it’s already been phased out due to its harmful effect on the ozone layer. If your cooling system is more than 15 years old, it may still run on R-22.

R134a: R134a is less frequent in household air conditioning, and is more common in automotive air conditioning.

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

You probably have a cooling HVAC system that still contains R-22. Servicing or repairing R-22 systems will be costlier as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Households with older R-22 systems will need to 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 realize that the stock of R-410A is starting to deplete. You could also swap out the older system with a modern A2L-class unit, and you have Expert local resources from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate this frustrating home comfort problem.

If your cooling system was installed after 2010…

You likely have a system compatible with R410a. You won’t need to take immediate action, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will get higher and higher.

Choosing the Correct Coolant with Support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

By thoughtfully picking your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can ensure you get the most energy-efficient comfort for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you discover the perfect system for your home, so book an appointment today.