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Over the years, a variety of refrigerants have been used in cooling systems and heat pumps. One of the most notable was R22, which was phased out due to its contribution to depleting the ozone layer and increasing global warming. Now, R410A refrigerant is the next to be phased out.
Refrigerant is a common component of residential air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It’s responsible for absorbing heat and transporting it between the indoor and outdoor units.
What Is R410A Refrigerant?
R410A became the refrigerant of choice in 2009 following the phase-out of the R22 refrigerant. Technically speaking, it’s a combination of hydrofluorocarbon, or HFC for short, and the compounds of R32 and R125. R410A operates at a much higher pressure than its predecessor, R22.
Why Is R410A Being Phased Out?
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 was passed to give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the ability to set standards for phasing out R410A refrigerant usage. R410A is being phased out because it’s been determined to have an increased risk of environmental harm. Since it operates at a high pressure, it can quickly seep out during maintenance and repair work. When released into the environment, R410A depletes the ozone, leading to global warming.
According to the EPA, the production of systems using R410A refrigerant must stop in January 2025. Nowhere in the country can units using R410A refrigerant be made. This timing aligns with updates to the energy-efficiency standards known as SEER2 ratings.
What’s Replacing R410A?
Currently, there are a couple of different refrigerants known as A2Ls that are replacing the R410A. These include R454B and R32 refrigerants. Both refrigerants are proven to be more environmentally sustainable and don’t cause ozone depletion.
When it comes to split-system and self-contained air conditioning systems, the EPA has approved some other A2L refrigerants. These are R457A, R454C, R452B and R454A. These A2Ls are known to have a lower global warming potential (GWP) than R410A. Plus, systems that use A2L refrigerants are much more energy-efficient than systems that don’t.
It’s important to note that these new A2L refrigerants are more flammable than R410A. They’re generally considered to be mildly flammable and require a high temperature to ignite. However, HVAC system manufacturers have taken this into account when it comes to designing and servicing new systems using A2L refrigerant safely.
What Happens if Your System Uses R410A?
If your existing HVAC system uses R410A and even R22 refrigerant, you don’t have to do anything. You can still use your central air conditioning system or heat pump without a problem. However, when it comes to repair service where you need to have the refrigerant in your system recharged, this phase-out process could affect that service and its overall price.
Some suppliers still have access to R22 refrigerant. However, the overall supply of this type of refrigerant is quickly diminishing and will soon become challenging to find. R410A refrigerant is still widely available to repair existing systems. But homeowners can expect the supply of R410A refrigerant to dwindle over the next decade.
Can You Convert Your Existing HVAC System?
It was somewhat common with the older systems that used R22 refrigerant to undergo a conversion to use the new R410A refrigerant. However, when it comes to transitioning to the new A2L refrigerants, older systems cannot be converted. Trying to do so would require the replacement of many parts inside the unit, which would lead to a higher cost than simply purchasing a whole new HVAC system for your home.
Should You Replace Your Existing System?
Ultimately, the decision to replace your existing air conditioning system or heat pump is up to you. The typical central air conditioning system will last 15 to 20 years. On the other hand, an air-source heat pump will last for 10 to 15 years.
If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to consider upgrading to a system that uses the new R32 or R454B refrigerants. However, if your system is less than 10 years old, it’s typically most cost-effective to simply repair any problems with it.
How Will This Affect System Pricing?
Another area of concern for homeowners when it comes to learning about this R410A phase-out is how it will affect the purchase price of new HVAC systems. Unfortunately, the price of new systems will slightly increase between 20% and 30% because of two main factors. The first factor is the redesigning that all manufacturers must do to integrate a new refrigerant into their cooling and heat pump systems. The second is the cost of the new R454B and R32 refrigerants. These newer refrigerants come at a higher purchase price than R410A.
Benefits of Upgrading
If you don’t want to continue to run a system with R410A refrigerant, you can easily upgrade to a new system that uses either R32 or R454B refrigerant. There are many great advantages you can enjoy from doing so. One of the most notable is that you can run a system that isn’t causing damage to the environment or depleting the ozone layer. Knowing that your HVAC system isn’t contributing to global warming can provide you with peace of mind about your household’s carbon footprint.
Another benefit of upgrading is that you won’t have to worry about price increases due to scarcity. As the production of R410A gets reduced by a mandatory 85% over the next decade, the supply of this refrigerant type is going to dwindle. This will lead to high purchase prices and costly repair bills. With a new system, you can enjoy more affordable refrigerant. Your new HVAC system will even come with a brand-new warranty so that you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket for future repair bills.
Systems produced today are more efficient than those produced just a decade ago. Making the switch to upgrade to a new air conditioning or heat pump system can allow you to take advantage of this increased operating efficiency. This translates to lower operating costs for you. Plus, a new system means that your chance of experiencing a breakdown is much less than with an aging system.
One lesser-known benefit of investing in a new AC for your home is that you can be eligible for a tax rebate. Some qualifying central air conditioning systems and most heat pumps will be eligible for a federal tax rebate under the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners can receive a federal tax rebate of up to 30% of the total cost of their new system up to a maximum amount of $3,200. This rebate can help to reduce the overall cost of your new system and allow you to recoup your investment in fewer years.
Reliable AC Installation Service
865 HVAC offers reliable AC services for the Knoxville, TN community. We can assist with all your heating services as well as air your generator and indoor air quality needs. We also offer heat pump, ductwork, duct cleaning, and ductless mini-split repair, installation, and maintenance.
Call us at 865 HVAC today to book your next service call.
