Residential refrigerants are constantly evolving. Freon or R-22 refrigerant was used for decades but was phased out completely in 2020 in favor of R-410. Also known as Puron, R-410 is an A1 refrigerant valued for its low flammability and low toxicity. At one time, it was also believed to have low global warming potential (GWP). However, despite its environmental superiority to Freon, widespread Puron use still causes climate change. To curb this change, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing a rigorous phase-out plan. The following are five important things to know about the R-410 phase-out and its impact on you.
1. The EPA Has Recommended Several A2L Refrigerants
The EPA is recommending two highly efficient A2L refrigerants: R-454B and R-32. A2L refrigerants have a slightly higher flammability than Puron and other A1 refrigerants, but they have comparably low toxicity and they don’t add heat to the earth’s stratosphere to cause a rise in global temperatures. Moreover, the slightly increased flammability of A2L poses virtually no risk for homeowners given that these refrigerants are never used in any equipment or areas with sufficiently powerful ignition sources. According to the EPA, R-454B and R-32 are the safest and most efficient choices for residential refrigerant going forward.
2. The R410 Phase-Out Will Last More Than a Decade
In 2020, when the EPA’s phase-out of Freon came to an end, manufacturers ceased all domestic Freon production and the importation of Freon became illegal. However, these final steps in the Freon phase-out didn’t happen overnight. The EPA began phasing out Freon in 2010.
The schedule for the R410 phase-out is just as generous. The EPA started its work in 2022, and its plan won’t come to an end until 2036. Thus, if you have a relatively new R410A air conditioner, you don’t have to pull it out and start fresh. You’ll have plenty of time to shop your options.
3. R410 Air Conditioners Will Remain Serviceable
HVAC technicians throughout the nation are familiar with R410-reliant cooling equipment. For homeowners with newer R410 air conditioners, scheduling repairs and annual equipment maintenance will be just as easy as before. However, as the 2036 finish date of the EPA’s phase-out plan draws near, it will become increasingly difficult to find knowledgeable technicians to service these units. Much as it did with Freon, the price for Puron recharge service will also rise.
4. You Cannot Retrofit an R410 Air Conditioner
The introduction of new AC refrigerants as the residential standard doesn’t always appeal to everyone. For instance, when Freon was phased out, many homeowners expressed interest in retrofitting their old cooling equipment to function with R410 rather than buying new air conditioners. Unfortunately, these measures were costly and often unsuccessful. They voided all manufacturer warranties and required complete compressor replacements.
With the move from A1 refrigerants to A2L, the option of retrofitting older equipment rather than replacing it no longer exists. Even with a full compressor replacement, you cannot safely retrofit an R410-reliant air conditioner to operate with R-32 or R-454B.
5. Get a Tax Credit
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners who make qualifying HVAC system upgrades can earn tax credits of $2,400 or up to 30% of their total labor and materials costs. These tax credits are available through 2032. You can catch your cooling system up with the EPA’s latest expectations for residential refrigerant and save money in the process. Although federal tax credits won’t immediately put cash in your hand, they’ll offset your end-of-year tax debt or add to your end-of-year tax return. You can work with our team to find qualifying equipment.
Schedule a Consultation to Find the Best Solution for Your Home
If your current air conditioner is nearing the end of its life span, the majority of new AC models now function on either R-32 or R-454B. Making this transition will modernize your home and give you the benefit of more efficient and environmentally friendly cooling.
If your air conditioner still has many years left in its service life, you can enjoy your AC and start planning for a later replacement. The best way to find the perfect schedule for making this upgrade is by setting a consultation appointment. We can help you find a new AC that suits your budget, your home cooling goals, and your needs.
We help homeowners in Sarasota, FL save money, reduce their carbon footprints, and optimize their home comfort. You can count on us for top-notch heating and air conditioning replacement, maintenance, and repair services. We also provide attic insulation, air duct cleaning, duct installation, and indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements. To find out more about the R410 phase-out or schedule an appointment, get in touch with us at AirNow Air Conditioning today.
