Phasing Out Your AC’s R-410A Coolant and Its Impact on HVAC Service in Fort Worth

The HVAC industry is entering a major shift, shifting to different HVAC refrigerants mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. The goal is for the cooling field to slowly replace the current class of coolants while also establishing new requirements for the refrigerants used in the design of central AC units and heat pumps. The next generation of refrigerants has a lower environmental impact compared to the coolants currently in use.

As you can imagine, this will significantly alter how air conditioners are sold and serviced. But will your existing cooling system be affected? The total home comfort Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you learn more. We’ll offer a few details about the reason why the air conditioning coolant R410a is being replaced and how this may impact you.

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

Learning About the Latest HVAC Refrigerant Rules

This summer, 2024, will be important to this transition. R410A manufacturing has already been cut by 40%, creating rising costs on the cost of both maintaining older systems and buying new AC systems. Most HVAC manufacturers have begun to replace their existing AC and heat pump product lines over the summer, in anticipation of the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely halt the manufacturing of systems with R-410A.

As of January 2025, all new air conditioners and mini-split heat pumps will need to be made with the new class of A2L-class coolants in mind. Maintenance for older and current R410a AC systems will still be available, but in the future, replacement refrigerant will become scarce and its price will rise. But that poses the question: Just WHY is R-410A getting the boot?

Why Is R410a Being Eliminated?

R-410A is by far the most common refrigerant, having been used for many years as the standard for residential AC systems. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that this refrigerant contains a significant amount of a chemical known to lead to climate change. To deal with this, in September 2021 the EPA released its detailed plan to majorly reduce R410A use. The strategy mandates the introduction of A2L, a a type of new refrigerants.

This isn’t the first time the industry has had to change to evolving environmental regulations. Most AC systems used to use R-22 refrigerant before it was also replaced by R410a. Sound complicated? Well, it is. The cycle continues as our government try its best to reduce the impact these chemicals have on our environment.

The new class of A2L refrigerants are, like previous refrigerants, non-toxic. There is one significant difference, however. This new A2L refrigerants are somewhat more flammable. At the same time, the average homeowner has no cause for concern as the newest air conditioners using A2L have been designed with the utmost safety in mind.

Which Refrigerant Does My Cooling System at Home Use?

To determine what kind of refrigerant your cooling system has, begin by looking at the label on the outside unit or for the info in your owner’s manual. This tag generally provides the type of refrigerant, along with other vital information like serial number and other details. If you can’t locate the details 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 widespread choice in recent air conditioners. If your cooling unit was set up after 2010, there’s a good chance it has R410a. Look for a sticker or sticker on the outside unit that says “R410a”.

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

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

R134a: R134a is less frequent in residential cooling systems, and is more common in automotive air conditioning.

If your air conditioner was installed in 2010 or before… 

You probably have an AC unit that still runs on R-22 refrigerant. Service for R-22 systems will be more expensive as replacement refrigerant becomes scare. Homeowners with old 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 remember that the availability of R-410A is beginning to run out. You could also swap out the older system with a new A2L system, and you have Expert local support from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you figure out this confusing home comfort headache.

If your air conditioner was put in after 2010…

You probably have a system compatible with R410a. There’s no need to take immediate action, but remember that as R410a refrigerant runs low, service costs for these units will only grow more expensive.

Selecting the Best 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 ensure 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 perfect system for your home, so book an appointment today.