Why the change?
The move towards new A2L refrigerants is driven by global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems. Traditional refrigerants, such as R22 that were phased out in 2010 were replaced by R410A.
R410A is in about 90% of the units today and is being phased out in 2025. These have been found to contribute significantly to global warming and ozone depletion. Courtesy of the EPA, new regulatory requirements mandate an eco-friendly makeover for heat pump and air conditioning equipment beginning January 1st, 2025.
How does this affect you?
This change affects all brands. Manufacturers will phase out existing R410A equipment. By January 1st, 2025, all new residential units must be manufactured with the new A2L refrigerants. R410A units being phased out must be installed by January 1st, 2026.
The manufacturers have only had 4 years to test and change to the new A2L refrigerants.
Product Availability
With any new product transition, manufacturer availability and supply chain may be affected, especially during peak seasons.
Price Increase
With the added complexity and safety features of new equipment redesign, homeowners may expect up to 30% price increase in new A2L equipment.
When the change occurred from R-22 in 2010 we had other replacement refrigerants that could be used to charge units. 410A doesn’t have any replacements that can be used, so the cost of 410A will go up dramatically in a short period of time.
Don’t wait if you to replace your existing equipment if…
- You Have older equipment
- You Have an expired warranty and/or are already experiencing cooling problems
- You Would like to save on a new R410A system while you still can!