HVAC REFRIGERANT AND THE NEW CHANGES FOR YOUR A/C SYSTEM

The heating and cooling industry has seen a lot of changes through the years, namely in the way it is governed and on the environmental impact our heating and cooling systems have.  Since 2010, R410A has been the refrigerant used in HVAC systems across the United States. In December 2020 the AIM (American Innovation and Manufacturing) ACT drawn up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated an 85% reduction in the production and consumption of HIGH-GWP (global warming potential) HFC’s (hydrofluorocarbon) by 2036. The required decrease patterns began in January 2022 with a decrease of 10%, in 2024 another 30%, and 2029 by an additional 30% reduction for a total 70% reduction before the next decade begins.

 What does this mean for me?

Along with production mandates, the US Department of Energy has raised the minimum efficiency requirements. Any systems installed before January 2023 will have the R410A refrigerant, which has a higher GWP, and lower energy efficiency, plus it can cause environmental damage if released from a cooling system via leaks or unintentional let go.

Environmental studies have shown that the new refrigerants have a higher efficiency and a lower GWP and therefore better for environmental concerns.  Air conditioning manufacturers will need to revamp their systems to accommodate newer technologies required for the new refrigerant, which will increase costs and those costs will be placed on the consumer.  Since systems are pressurized, there cannot be any retrofit of old systems using R410A to utilize the new refrigerant R454B.

 How is Frosty Flamingo HVAC Services handling the transition and what do I need to do now?

New systems contain R454B, which is slightly flammable as it contains propane.  Our highly trained technicians are ready to handle the refrigerants in new systems already utilizing the R454B. If your system was installed before January 2023, it uses the older R410a refrigerant, and when handled properly has no risk to the environment. We follow regulations on the capture and proper disposal of all refrigerants and will take all reasonable steps to recycle any R410a refrigerants needed for your system.  You do not need to replace any equipment because of these changes and the old refrigerant is still available for use in your current system.  We will service systems with both types of refrigerants and guide you on any issues that arise in your heating and cooling units.

If you have any questions or wish to get a quote for your new system, please call us at 941-300-COOL and speak to any one of our professionals to have all your concerns heard.

Previous
Previous

A New A/C System: Energy Savings

Next
Next

Preventative Maintenance: Clogged Drain Lines