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

The HVAC industry is starting to undergo a major change, moving toward new HVAC refrigerants mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling field to gradually phase out the current class of refrigerants while also setting up 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 used.

As you can expect, this will drastically alter how air conditioners are offered and maintained. 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 information about the reason why the air conditioning coolant R-410A is being phased out and how it could affect you.

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

Learning About the Existing HVAC Coolant Regulations

This year, 2024, will be important to this change. R-410A manufacturing has already been limited by 40%, creating rising costs on the price of both servicing older systems and purchasing new cooling units. Most HVAC brands have started to update their current AC and heating product lines over the year, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely stop the creation of units with R-410A.

Beginning in January 2025, all new AC systems and mini-split heat pumps will need to be manufactured with the next generation of A2L refrigerants in mind. Repairs for existing R410a units will still be available, 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 Eliminated?

R410a is far and away today’s most common coolant, having been used for decades as the standard for conventional AC systems. Unfortunately, new research findings have 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 put out its detailed plan to significantly limit R-410A use. The plan mandates the introduction of A2L, a a class of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the sector has needed to adapt to new environmental regulations. 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 minimize the impact these chemicals have on the environment.

The newest class of A2L refrigerants are, like other refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one clear difference, however. The new A2L refrigerants are slightly flammable. However, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as new systems using A2L have been designed with the utmost safety in mind.

What Type of Refrigerant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?

To figure out what kind of refrigerant your air conditioner needs, try looking at the label on the outdoor unit or for the info in your AC guide. This tag usually shows the type of refrigerant, along with other vital information like unit specifications and other details. If you can’t get the details you are looking for, 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 recent cooling systems. If your AC was put in after 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses R410a. Look for a label or label on the outdoor unit that mentions “R410a”.

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

R-22: R-22 was the usual choice for many years, but it’s already been eliminated due to its damage to the ozone layer. If your cooling system is more than 15 years old, it may still use R-22.

R134a: R134a is rarely found in household air conditioning, and is more common in automotive air conditioning.

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

You are more likely to have a cooling HVAC system that still contains R-22 refrigerant. Working with R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with old R-22 systems may want to consider replacing it with one that’s more efficient and environmentally-friendly. It’s still possible to replace an R-22 AC unit with one using R-410a, but you should keep in mind that the stock of R-410A is starting to decline. You could also change the older AC with a modern A2L-based system, and you have Expert local service from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this annoying home comfort problem.

If your AC unit was set up after 2010…

You most likely have a system with R410a. You won’t need to schedule replacement right away, but don’t forget that as R410a refrigerant runs out, service expenses for these units will only grow more expensive.

Picking the Best Refrigerant with Help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

By thoughtfully picking your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can guarantee you get the most cost-effective air conditioning for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find the best system for your home, so request your appointment today.