As the HVAC industry progresses, there’s a tendency to change up components and resources for the sake of efficiency and safety. In years past, the classic refrigerant, Freon, was completely phased out due to its problematic environmental impact. As a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), it damages the ozone layer and contributes to global warming.
To correct this, Allied Signal, which is now Honeywell, created R410A as a replacement. This newer refrigerant had better cooling capacity and wasn’t nearly as toxic. Recently, the decision was made to phase this out as well.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that thanks to its chemical makeup posing a global warming risk, R410A is an unsustainable refrigerant. As a result, manufacturers will have to gradually phase production out in cooling systems. This also applies to imported systems.
So, with this in mind, it’s important to understand how this will impact the average household. In this guide, we’re going to go in-depth into what this change means for you.
What Is R410A?
R410A is a refrigerant that many know as Puron or Suva 410A. Introduced in 1991, this product serves as a primary refrigerant in many residential air conditioning systems. In the recent past, R410A came into use as a more environmentally friendly alternative to older refrigerant products like R22, which many inside and outside of the industry know as Freon.
Puron cools spaces better than Freon, isn’t as damaging to the ozone layer, and has a higher energy efficiency level. R410A is also considered to be better for indoor air quality when used as an R22 alternative
Also, compared to Freon, Puron is a largely nontoxic alternative. Freon causes lung and brain damage and is much worse for the environment. While H22 is an HCFC, R410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that doesn’t contain fluorine, which makes it a far more environmentally sustainable option.
Why Is R410A Being Phased Out?
Despite it being better for the environment than Freon, R410A is still problematic when it comes to its impact on global warming. This refrigerant is a greenhouse gas. Even with smaller leaks, the impact on the environment is significant, especially when calculating that 90% of homes in the U.S. have air conditioning. This is the primary reason for the gradual phase-down of its use.
The timeline for the phase-out is relatively long. Production is expected to decrease by 70% by the year 2029, and it will increase until the phase-out ends in 2036. Two A2L refrigerants will be used in HVAC systems to replace this refrigerant. These are R-32 and R454B. R-32 is difluoromethane, and when it’s combined with the hydroflouroolefin R-1234yf, it becomes R454B.
To clarify, the term A2L refers to important aspects of these refrigerants:
- A: This is a classification for being nontoxic.
- 2: This is a classification for moderate flammability.
- L: This indicates a lower flammability than standard Class 2 refrigerants.
Differences Between R410A and A2L Systems
Aside from their lower global warming impact, A2L systems will be different from the air conditioning systems using older, less environmentally friendly refrigerants. First, A2L systems are more efficient, which means you may see a reduction in your utility bills.
Secondly, these systems require less overall refrigerant, so you can expect a reduction in system cost as well. Since these produce little toxicity, flammability, or burning velocity, A2L systems will be more future-proof than prior refrigerants. This means that you may not have to replace them with new refrigerant technology as quickly in the near future.
How This Affects Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, if your existing HVAC system uses R410A, then it won’t use another type of refrigerant. You simply can’t retrofit a system using this refrigerant to use a newer, non-CFC, refrigerant system like R454B without significant costs. These would be similar to purchasing a new air conditioner. Instead, your next air conditioning system will have to use either R-32 or R454B, which will become the new standard as production of R410A is reduced by 85% in 2036.
Despite this, this doesn’t mean that you have to go out and purchase a newer air conditioner system immediately. The EPA has mandated that current owners of air conditioning systems that use R410A as a refrigerant do not have to replace their systems. This means that you can use your current system until the end of its life span and replace it with a newer model that uses the A2L refrigerants when it no longer functions. This is especially useful since the phase-out doesn’t end for several years, and air conditioner models typically have a 15-plus year life span.
Preparations Homeowners Can Make
The 85% reduction in the production of R410A will not be complete until the year 2036, so there’s time for homeowners to adjust. However, there are two potential steps you can take so that you’re ready for the switchover to more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Schedule Yearly Maintenance Sessions
As with any HVAC system, we always recommend that you have yearly professional AC maintenance sessions performed. This will ensure that your existing air conditioning system that uses this refrigerant won’t need expensive repairs.
One thing’s for sure: As these systems start to be phased out, components for repair relating to the refrigerant will become harder to find. So, with this in mind, it’s a good idea to have a licensed technician come in to ensure everything is clean, has replacement filters, and is properly tuned up. At Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, our HVAC specialists train to provide top-tier maintenance service so that your household will be comfortable for years to come.
Consider a Newer AC System
There are currently several A2L-compliant models of HVAC systems on the market. While you aren’t being forced to upgrade, it might be a good idea to replace your current system before components become scarce.
Scarcity inevitably affects the price of these services, so replacement could save you money. At Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, our offer guarantees that you’re getting more than just HVAC service. We do each job right the first time, and we’ll treat your system replacement with the attention it needs.
Dependable HVAC Service
The fact is that there is a significant amount of time before the Puron phase-out is in full effect, and thanks to the EPA, you can still safely use your current air conditioner for years. However, it’s simply a good idea to prepare for the transition by engaging in some of the preparative steps we outlined here in this article.
We at Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have been doing business in Newburgh for half a decade. We understand the cooling and heating needs of local residents and have a team that specializes in all aspects of HVAC. We’ll maintain and repair your Puron-based air conditioning system, and when it’s time to upgrade to one that uses R-32 or R454B, we’ll help you upgrade as well.
We also have team members who specialize in heat pumps and furnace repair and upkeep. Give us a call today, and we’ll set you up with a consult so that you’re ready for the phase-out!
