The Transition Away from R-410A Refrigerant: What Homeowners Need to Know About Cost and Availability
Weighing the options
As environmental concerns continue to shape regulations, the HVAC industry is undergoing a significant shift away from R-410A refrigerant. The so called “GWP” (global warming potential) is what the EPA uses as an indicator of the “negative impact” of a gas on “climate change.” The EPA has mandated refrigerants change to a refrigerant with a lower “GWP” than 410A. The industry has adopted two new refrigerants 454B & R-32. Most manufactures are moving to 454B. The law states that split systems cannot be sold in 2025 with 410A. They can continue to be installed until 2026. Manufactures are converting their factory lines in September to stop building 410A equipment. They do not want dead inventory which they cannot sell by law.
Cost of a HVAC system replacement
As manufacturers transition away from R-410A, new HVAC systems are being designed to use alternative refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B. These new systems are anticipated to increase the cost of a new system replacement by 10 – 13%. The cost increase is associated with equipment cost increases, refrigerant handling requirements, new safety systems inside the HVAC systems and new installation processes.
Repair and Replacement Costs
For homeowners with existing R-410A systems, the transition could lead to significantly higher repair and replacement costs. Since 2020 (EPA regulations began), 410A refrigerant has increased in cost 375%. As we move into 410A phase out, the cost of 410A is going to continue to skyrocket.
If we compare this refrigerant change to the R-22 change in 2010, we can assume that in 5 – 8 years, it is going to become too expense to repair refrigerant related issues on 410A equipment. Furthermore, many maintenance offerings include minor refrigerant adjustments included in the price. Todd Russo of REEIS stated “Our current Comfort Club membership includes up to 1 LB of refrigerant adjustment. This offering will most likely become too expensive in 2025, and we will be required to offering it at an al a carte expense. If your system requires adjustments, this could add an additional $200 to regular maintenance.”
Stock of R-410A Systems
The industry is currently in the process of converting their factory manufacturing lines to new refrigerant systems. The availability of 410A equipment is going to become very challenging going into this fall. Todd Russo stated “We are already seeing significant challenges sourcing air handlers and other 410A products. We have inventory from stocking orders, but many match-ups are simply no longer available to purchase or have significant lead times.” 410A equipment cannot be sold in 2025. It can be installed until 2026.
Important Tip: If a homeowner is in the market for a new HVAC system and the upfront cost is a concern, a 410A system might be your best option but you will need to act fast.
System offerings
With this new refrigerant change, we are seeing multiple manufacturers reduce the number of products they offer. As an example, one of Reeis’s favorite product offerings is the Trane XV17 line up. It is a well-priced, high performing variable speed system. Trane is eliminating the product in 2025 and it will no longer be available.
Efficiency of the New Refrigerant
Although most system ratings and match ups are not released yet, the preliminary data we are seeking from new refrigerants system match ups suggest that the new refrigerant is going to be more efficient than 410A. Although the cost of the new refrigerant systems are going to have a higher upfront cost, the operational expenses in the long term should offset some of these costs.
Performance of the New Refrigerant
In Arizona’s extreme climates, the new refrigerant has better performance than the 410A equipment. HVAC systems are subject to what is called an extended rating. If we use the example of a 5-ton system in Phoenix’s summer heat a typical 5-ton system will produce approximately 50,000 BTUs of cooling at outdoor temps of 85 degrees. This same system will produce roughly 35,000 BTUs of cooling in outdoor temps of 115 degrees. This degradation is a significant performance indicator. In preliminary new refrigerant equipment ratings, we are seeing some equipment deliver a 25% or better cooling output at 115 degrees. This is a significant metric as we can see some systems are capable of being downsized and still delivering better performance.
Conclusion
If your air conditioning system is over 12 years old, Todd Russo of REEIS recommends researching your options for replacement. “REEIS recently released an online equipment shopping tool which helps homeowners look at their options. If you are considering a replacement, you can go to REEIS.com and shop online.” Says Todd. “We would never recommend purchasing an HVAC system online, but the REEIS shopping tool helps homeowners get an idea of their options. The website was recently updated with anticipated pricing for 454B equipment.”
Homeowners may elect to take advantage of the current pricing available on the 410A equipment or they may want to consider a replacement with 454B refrigerant equipment before next summer. Equipment should be available for installation as early as late September – early October. Homeowners should also consider installation before year’s end to take advantage of the 2024 tax credits on heat pumps & air conditioning systems.
NOTE: If your system is on life support, you may be in a real bind in the next month or two as replacement options may be very limited until new equipment is available.
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CONTENT PARTNER | REEIS
Reeis Air conditioning has been a trusted Rosie on the House partner since 2010. They are a home performance contracting company. Todd tells us that REEIS Home Performance is better than just air conditioning. That’s because they deliver guaranteed results by analyzing and improving more than just the A/C. Call for a free in-home consultation at (602) 562-8306
PODCAST
As environmental concerns continue to shape regulations, the HVAC industry is undergoing a significant shift away from R-410A refrigerant. The so called “GWP” (global warming potential) is what the EPA uses as an indicator of the “negative impact” of a gas on “climate change.” Todd Russo of REEIS Air Conditioning discusses what the transition means for new and current units plus the potential costs associated with them. The takeaway is be informed! Avoid potential shady tactics about this transition.
PHOTO CREDIT
- IStock
- Shutterstock
