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

The HVAC industry is starting to undergo a big shift, shifting to safer 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 coolants while also introducing new standards for the refrigerants used in the manufacturing of central AC units and heat pumps. The next generation of refrigerants has a lower environmental impact than the ones currently used.

As you can guess, this will greatly alter how AC systems are marketed 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 offer a few details about why the air conditioning refrigerant R410a is being phased out and how this may impact you.

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

Learning About the Existing HVAC Refrigerant Regulations

This summer, 2024, will be important to this change. R-410A manufacturing has already been limited by 40%, causing rising costs on the price of both maintaining existing units and buying new air conditioners. Most HVAC brands have begun to swap out their existing AC and heating product lines over the summer, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to fully halt the creation of systems with R-410A.

Beginning in January 2025, all new air conditioning systems and mini-split heat pumps will be required to be made with the next generation of A2L-class coolants in mind. Maintenance for existing R410a units will still be possible, but in the future, replacement refrigerant will become less available and its price will rise. But that makes you ask: Why IS R-410A getting the boot?

Why Is R410a Being Eliminated?

R-410A is by far today’s most common refrigerant, having been used for decades as the standard for conventional AC systems. Unfortunately, new research findings have shown that this refrigerant contains elevated amounts of a compound known to contribute to global warming. To combat this, in September 2021 the EPA issued its comprehensive outline to significantly limit R410A use. The strategy requires the adoption of A2L, a different class of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the industry has needed to adapt to shifting eco-friendly standards. 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 works to reduce the impact these substances have on our environment.

The new class of A2L refrigerants are, like previous refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one major difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable. That being said, 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 Home AC Use?

To find out the type of refrigerant your air conditioner needs, begin by looking at the sticker on the outside unit or for the info in your owner’s manual. This label generally provides the refrigerant used, along with other vital information like model number and other details. If you can’t find the details you are looking for, 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 AC units. If your cooling unit was put in after 2010, there’s a strong possibility it contains R410a. Look for a label or sticker on the outdoor unit that indicates “R410a”.

R-32: R-32 is another newer A2L-class refrigerant, selected for a smaller impact on the environment.

R-22: R-22 was the usual choice for a long time, but it’s already been phased out due to its negative impact on the ozone layer. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may still use R-22.

R134a: R134a is uncommon in home AC units, and is more frequent in automotive air conditioning.

If your cooling HVAC system was set up in 2010 or before… 

You are more likely to have an AC unit that still runs on R-22 refrigerant. Working with R-22 systems will be expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners 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 your system with one using R-410a, but you should remember that the stock of R-410A is starting to deplete. You can also change the older system with a brand-new A2L-class unit, 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 air conditioner was installed after 2010…

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

Selecting the Best Coolant with Assistance from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

By thoughtfully picking your new or replacement AC unit or heat pump, you can make sure you get the most energy-efficient 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.