All residential air conditioning systems and heat pumps rely on a substance known as refrigerant. This substance effectively absorbs heat and transports it to a new location. Over the years, many different types of refrigerants have been utilized.
The Ban of R-22 Refrigerant
Unfortunately, not all past refrigerants have been great for the environment. R-22 refrigerant was commonly used until 2010 when the federal government banned it. The EPA banned it due to environmental concerns that it was depleting the ozone layer, which protects the earth and human beings from a massive amount of ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun.
R-22 refrigerant has been completely phased out and is no longer produced. Homeowners with this type of refrigerant in their AC system can no longer get refrigerant recharges and must upgrade or have a conversion kit installed by an air conditioning service provider.
The R-410 Refrigerant Takeover
As R-22 refrigerant was phased out, R-410 refrigerant became the new standard. Unfortunately, after over a decade in use, this refrigerant was also deemed harmful to the environment due to its high levels of hydrofluorocarbons, which are known to deplete the earth’s ozone layer. Due to these environmental concerns, the EPA has rolled out a new plan to phase out R-410 refrigerant.
The Introduction of A2L Refrigerant
Come January 1, 2025, A2L will become the newest refrigerant standard for residential air conditioning systems and heat pumps. All new AC units or heat pumps must use A2L instead of R-410. This refrigerant is thought to be more eco-friendly and will not deplete the ozone layer.
As part of the EPA’s regulatory rollout, they are allowing the servicing of R-410 units with minimal production. However, by January 1, 2026, all units manufactured with R-410 freon prior to January 1, 2025, must be installed or disposed of.
What’s the Hype About A2L Refrigerant?
One of the most notable benefits of A2L refrigerant is that it’s less flammable than its predecessors. Many manufacturers are adding additional safety features alongside the change in refrigerant, including more added leak detection sensors and better installation instructions.
What This Change Means for Homeowners?
One of the most obvious things this means for homeowners is they’ll eventually have to invest in a system with A2L refrigerant. If you’re currently in the market for a new air conditioning system or heat pump for your home or will be soon, ensuring you’re getting one with A2L refrigerant is vital. HVAC manufacturers and contractors can still legally install systems using R-410 refrigerant until January 1, 2026.
While these units may come at a cheaper upfront cost, you’ll be stuck with a refrigerant that likely won’t be available in just a few short years. That can make recharging your system’s refrigerant impossible soon. This can leave you stuck with either paying for a costly conversion kit for your system to run on the new A2L refrigerant or upgrading to another new HVAC system.
Additionally, homeowners must realize that the cost of new air conditioning systems and heat pumps will likely increase. Because of the EPA-mandated changes, manufacturers are going to alert system designs to use the new A2L refrigerant. While this is great for increasing your new system’s safety and allowing you to take advantage of new safety features, it comes at a higher upfront purchase price than units that use R-410 refrigerant.
Types of A2L Refrigerant
A2L refrigerant is a name given to a specific class of freon that can be used in residential heat pumps and air conditioning systems. The two most popular forms of A2L are R-32 and R-454B. HVAC equipment manufacturers can choose between the different types of A2L refrigerants when deciding what to use in their new systems. These particular types of freon are comparable in performance, toxicity, servicing, and flammability. However, they do vary in other respects.
Reliable AC Maintenance Service
Cencal Mechanical Heating & Air, Inc. offers reliable AC maintenance service to the Modesto, CA, community. We can assist with all your heating, air conditioning, water heater, indoor air quality, and thermostat needs. Call us today to book your next service consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians.
