08/28/2024
Home owners and business owners, there are some changes coming to the HVAC world that are going to affect prices, availability, and how new units will operate.
Starting January 1st, 2025 the EPA has introduced a ban on manufacturing of R410a units. This is a phase down not a phase out. There will not be a ban on individual parts, however there will be a 85% reduction by 2036. Although they will not be able to manufacture the systems, they will still be permitted to be installed until January 1st, 2026. R410a condensers and air handlers will still be available because they are classified as a part. However, system replacements will be very uncommon. This means if you have a failed component in an existing R410a unit we will be able to make a repair and you will not be forced to replace the entire unit. This comes with a downfall, less availability in the future with parts becoming less available.
This new Refrigerant is an A2L which is a lightly flammable refrigerant and is slightly more flammable than our current refrigerant (R410a). Because this refrigerant is more flammable, there will be new safeties installed in new equipment to protect from leaking refrigerant, these will include infrared sensors.
These infrared sensors have not been shown to us yet, but we understand how they will protect the system. With these changes there will be a period of time that technicians will require more time to troubleshoot. All of our technicians have taken the appropriate classes and training to understand proper installation practices and troubleshooting procedures to insure safe and efficient equipment.
With this refrigerant change, a lot of our equipment and tools will have to be A2L compliant. Most modern equipment has been made to accept these refrigerants. We will have to carry a couple of new parts and tools not released yet to safely get you up and running.
With a decrease in the manufacturing of R410a and associated parts there will be an increase in price similar to what we saw with R22 (previous to R410a).
These changes are due to the high Global warming potential with R410a. The EPA takes this very seriously, therefore This new refrigerant will have a lower GWP and will help with the slowly depleting ozone layer.
What are your thoughts on this?
