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Replacing Your AC’s R-410A Refrigerant and Its Impact on AC Services in Champaign

The air conditioning industry is starting to undergo a significant transition, moving toward different 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 refrigerants while also establishing new guidelines for the refrigerants used in the manufacturing of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The new class of refrigerants has a lower environmental impact compared to the ones currently used.

As you can expect, this will greatly change how HVACsystems are marketed and repaired. But will your present air conditioner be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can give you insights. We’ll share details about the reason why the air conditioning refrigerant R-410A is being replaced and how this may impact you.

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

Learning About the Latest HVAC Refrigerant Guidelines

This year, 2024, will be crucial to this transition. R-410A availability has already been limited by 40%, causing upward pressure on the price of both maintaining existing units and purchasing new AC systems. Most HVAC manufacturers 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 halt the production of units with R-410A.

Starting in January 2025, all new air conditioning systems and heat pumps will need to be made with the new class of A2L refrigerants in mind. Maintenance for current and older R410a AC systems will still be available, but in the future, replacement refrigerant will become harder to find and its price will rise. But that poses the question: Why IS R410a being replaced?

Why Is R-410A Being Phased Out?

R410a is far and away the leading coolant, having been used for a long time as the go-to for central AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains high levels of a chemical known to contribute to global warming. To address this, in September 2021 the EPA released its specific strategy to drastically cut R-410A consumption. The strategy requires the introduction of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the field has needed to adapt to shifting environmental regulations. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was also replaced by R-410A. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government try its best to minimize the impact these substances have on the environment.

The newest class of A2L coolants are, like past refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. The new A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable. However, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as the newest air conditioners using A2L have been designed with the highest safety standards in mind.

Which Refrigerant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?

To find out the type of refrigerant your cooling system uses, try looking at the label on the outside unit or for the info in your AC guide. This label generally provides the type of refrigerant, along with other important details like model number 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 refrigerant type as well as its age.

R410a: R410a is the most widespread option in recent AC units. If your air conditioner was put in after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has R410a. Look for a sticker or label on the external unit that indicates “R410a”.

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

R-22: R-22 was the common choice for decades, but it’s already been eliminated due to its damage to the ozone layer. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may still contain R-22.

R134a: R134a is uncommon in home AC units, and is more usual in the AC system your car uses.

If your air conditioner was installed in 2010 or before… 

You probably have a cooling HVAC system that still runs on R-22 refrigerant. Working with R-22 systems will be costlier as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Anyone with old R-22 systems may want to think about replacing it with one that’s more efficient and environmentally-friendly. It’s still possible to replace your system with one using R-410a, but you should realize that the availability of R-410A is beginning to run out. You could also swap out the older system with a modern A2L system, and you have Expert local support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this frustrating home comfort problem.

If your air conditioner was put in after 2010…

You likely have a system that uses R410a. There’s no need to do anything immediately, but remember that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service costs for these units will get higher and higher.

Selecting the Correct Refrigerant with Assistance from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

By carefully choosing your new or replacement air conditioner or heat pump, you can guarantee you get the most cost-effective 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.

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