One of the most significant changes the HVAC industry has seen in a long time is set to take effect at the start of 2025 when the use of R-410a refrigerant in ACs and heat pumps will start being phased out. This refrigerant has been used in virtually all of these units for at least 15 years after the EPA banned the use of Freon or R-22 refrigerant. The first part of the new phase-out has already begun, as manufacturers had to fully comply with the new regulations earlier in 2024. That meant they could no longer continue manufacturing R-410a units and could only use either R-32 or R-454b in the units they produce. In this article, we’ll discuss what the phase-out and eventual ban of R-410a means for your existing AC or heat pump system and whether it means you should soon schedule a replacement.
An Overview of the Phase-Out
The first thing you should understand is that it won’t suddenly be illegal to continue using any R-410a unit. That’s because the phase-out is set to happen in stages. The first stage is banning the use of this refrigerant in new systems. At the same time, the EPA is also requiring manufacturers to gradually reduce how much R-410a they produce over the next decade. The full ban on R-410a production won’t happen until 2035 or possibly even until a few years later. Even then, many HVAC companies will still have some R-410a available for a few years if your system needs recharging. That’s because they’ll still be allowed to reuse any of the refrigerant they reclaim when replacing older systems even once the full production/importation ban takes effect.
The main concern is that the phase-out means that the available stockpile of R-410a is going to continually shrink over the next decade. Once that starts happening, it’s virtually guaranteed to result in a fairly substantial increase in the price of the refrigerant. That means it may eventually become extremely expensive to fix your AC or heat pump if it starts leaking.
When Should You Replace an R-410a AC or Heat Pump?
In terms of whether it’s worth replacing your AC or heat pump with a unit that uses either of the new refrigerants, it really depends on the unit’s age and how well it works. If the unit suddenly gives out or no longer works effectively, you’ll obviously want to replace it. If the unit still works well and has a few years of life left, you’re probably better off waiting a while before scheduling a replacement.
One concern with immediately replacing a unit that still works is there’s currently not a huge supply of R-32 and R-454b units available. That’s because many manufacturers only recently made the switch to these new refrigerants. Most manufacturers also increased their production of R-410a units by quite a bit in anticipation of the phase-out coming into effect. That’s because they are easier to manufacture and also because the phase-out doesn’t mean any R-410a units produced in 2024 are suddenly illegal to install.
If you do need or decide you want to replace your existing R-410a unit, you should make sure your new unit uses either R-32 or R-454b even if an R-410a unit is available. That’s partly because the new refrigerants are more environmentally friendly. R-410a is an extremely powerful and harmful greenhouse gas, which means it can directly contribute to climate change when it leaks or otherwise gets released. The other refrigerants are also greenhouse gases, but they’re less damaging and can’t trap nearly as much heat in the atmosphere.
Another reason it’s worth investing in a new unit at some point is that it will eventually become quite expensive to maintain and repair an R-410a unit. The other benefit of installing a unit with one of the new refrigerants is that it will be more efficient than an R-410a unit and thus save you money on your energy bills.
The downside is that R-32 and R-454b units require additional safety features and are thus more expensive. The reason is that both refrigerants are mildly flammable, which means you need a sensor that can detect if the refrigerant starts leaking. If a leak occurs, this sensor will shut the unit down immediately so that one of the unit’s motors doesn’t cause the refrigerant to catch fire.
Our Professional HVAC Company
If you’re still unsure of whether you should replace your older AC or heat pump, you can turn to Allegiance Heating & Cooling for advice. One of our highly skilled, knowledgeable technicians can perform a complete inspection and determine whether your unit is still working efficiently and approximately how much life it has left. We offer top-quality heating and air conditioning services in Mokena, IL, and the surrounding areas and can ensure your indoor comfort needs are fully met.
If you have any questions about AC installation or want to schedule an inspection or service call, contact us today.
