Phasing Out Your AC’s R410a Refrigerant and How It Impacts HVAC Service in Hilton Head Island

The air conditioning industry is entering a big shift, transitioning to different HVAC refrigerants as part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling sector to slowly replace the current class of refrigerants while also introducing new guidelines for the refrigerants used in the production of central air conditioners and heat pumps. The new class of refrigerants has a smaller environmental impact than the ones currently used.

As you can guess, this will significantly affect how air conditioners are offered and repaired. But will your existing AC unit be impacted? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can provide more details. We’ll share details about why the AC coolant R410a is being phased out and how it could impact you.

For extra details, read or download our available information packet!

Learning About the Current HVAC Refrigerant Rules

This year, 2024, will be crucial to this shift. R-410A manufacturing has already been cut by 40%, putting an increase on the cost of both repairing older systems and installing new air conditioners. Most HVAC brands have started to replace their current AC and heat pump units over the year, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely end the production of units with R-410A.

As of January 2025, all new air conditioning systems and mini-split heat pumps will need to be made with the new class of A2L-class coolants in mind. Servicing for older and current R410a AC systems will still be possible, but over time, replacement refrigerant will become scarce and its price will rise. But that poses the question: Why IS R410a being replaced?

Why Is R-410A Being Phased Out?

R410a is far and away today’s most common refrigerant, having been used for many years as the standard for central AC systems. Unfortunately, new research findings have shown that this refrigerant contains elevated amounts of a compound known to lead to global warming. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA released its detailed plan to drastically reduce R410A consumption. The strategy mandates the adoption of A2L, a different class of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the sector has had to change to new environmental regulations. 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 helps minimize the impact these substances have on the environment.

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

What Type of Refrigerant Does My Home AC Use?

To determine the type of refrigerant your AC unit needs, try looking at the tag on the external unit or for the info in your AC guide. This label typically lists the type of refrigerant, along with other important details like unit specifications and other details. If you can’t locate the information you need, don’t hesitate to call 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 frequent type in recent AC units. If your cooling unit was installed after 2010, there’s a good chance it uses R410a. Look for a tag or marking on the outdoor unit that indicates “R410a”.

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

R-22: R-22 was the common choice for decades, but it’s already been eliminated due to its harmful effect on the ozone layer. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may still contain R-22.

R134a: R134a is uncommon in household air conditioning, and is more frequent in automotive air conditioning.

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

You are most likely to have a cooling HVAC system that still uses R-22. Service for R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Anyone with older R-22 systems may want to consider replacing it with one that’s more efficient and better for the environment. It’s still possible to replace an R-22 AC unit with one using R-410a, but you should realize that the supply of R-410A is starting to deplete. You can also change the older unit with a modern A2L-based system, and you have Expert local support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you solve this confusing home comfort headache.

If your air conditioner was installed after 2010…

You probably have a system with R410a. You don’t have to schedule replacement right away, but keep in mind that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service expenses for these units will continue to rise.

Selecting the Right Refrigerant with Support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

By carefully picking your new or replacement cooling HVAC system or heat pump, you can guarantee you get the most cost-effective comfort solution for your home. The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you install the best system for your home, so request your appointment today.