Upcoming Refrigerant Change: What You Need to Know
At Air Source Home Comfort, we’re dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We want to inform you about an important change in the HVAC industry that will impact homeowners across North America: new refrigerant units are now in production and arriving in Canada.
As part of global efforts to reduce environmental impact, the refrigerant R-410A, commonly used in ductless and whole-home air conditioners/heat pumps, will no longer be produced after January 1, 2025. Manufacturers are already transitioning to newer, more eco-friendly refrigerants, making R-410A units increasingly scarce. Once current stocks run out, R-410A equipment will no longer be available.
Why Are They Changing Refrigerant?
The shift away from R-410A is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants. R-22, the previous industry standard, was phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer, leading to the adoption of R-410A. However, while R-410A is ozone-friendly, it has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). To address this, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 mandate a phased reduction of HFCs like R-410A, aiming to transition the industry to refrigerants with lower GWP by 2025.
This leaves homeowners with a crucial decision: Should you wait for the new refrigerants, which may also face future phase-outs, or invest now in equipment using a refrigerant that is already on its way out?
The Argument for Replacing with R-410A Now
One reason to consider replacing your equipment with R-410A now is its proven reliability. R-410A has been in use for nearly two decades, providing ample time for the industry to understand its performance and address potential issues. In contrast, R-454B, a leading candidate to replace R-410A, was introduced in 2018 and hasn’t yet been widely adopted. With R-454B systems set to become the industry standard in 2025, they will be first-generation products, which often come with unforeseen challenges.
Investing in R-410A equipment now allows you to benefit from a refrigerant that is well-understood and reliable. The rapid transition to R-454B has left contractors with limited time to adapt, making the switch to new equipment potentially riskier.
Is R-454B Refrigerant Safe?
R-454B, though classified as semi-flammable, is not as alarming as it might sound. Its flammability range is comparable to that of olive oil, making it safe and non-explosive. However, its classification means that contractors will need to install sensors to detect the refrigerant, which could lead to higher installation costs and potential mechanical issues.
On the positive side, R-454B has a significantly lower GWP than R-410A, reducing its environmental impact by over 50%. Newer equipment using R-454B will also require 5-10% less refrigerant. However, these benefits come with higher costs; R-454B systems are expected to be 10-25% more expensive than those using R-410A.
Common Concern: Can R-410A Units Still Be Serviced?
A common question we receive is whether R-410A units will still be serviceable in the long term. The good news is yes, they will be. The production of R-410A refrigerant is not being discontinued, meaning we’ll be able to service and maintain R-410A units for 15+ years. So, if you have an existing R-410A system, you can rest assured that it will continue to be supported.
Take Action Now to Save
With these changes on the horizon, it’s essential to consider your options. By upgrading your HVAC system this year, you can lock in current prices and avoid the upcoming cost increases tied to the new refrigerant standards.
At Air Source Home Comfort, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your home and budget. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule your installation before the changes take effect.
Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your home remains comfortable and efficient. Contact us today to discuss your options and secure your installation!
