If you own a home here in Bellevue, NE, there’s a good chance that it has a central AC system. It would be difficult to make it through the summer heat without one. But have you ever given much thought to the refrigerant it uses to operate? Most people don’t, unless they happen to be HVAC technicians by trade. If you’re not in that group, though, there are a few things pertaining to the subject you need to know. In recent years, there have been changes to some regulations surrounding air conditioner refrigerants. Here’s everything you need to know about how the changes might affect you.
The Complete Ban of R22
If your home’s AC is over 14 years old, it may still use R22 as its refrigerant. Also known as Freon, R22 started getting phased out back in 1987. However, some AC systems continued to use it for years after that. The problem with R22 was twofold. For one thing, it posed a significant threat to Earth’s ozone layer. When released into the atmosphere, R22 can bind to ozone and destroy it. The other problem with R22 is that it’s more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas. As a result, the widespread use of R22 was a major contributor to global warming and overall climate change.
As of 2020, however, it’s now illegal to manufacture or import R22 into the U.S. If you have an older system that uses it, it’s going to become increasingly expensive to get when needed for repairs. For that reason, you can expect the maintenance costs for your aging AC to begin rising sharply. In certain circumstances, it may be impossible to repair your AC if any part of its refrigerant system fails. Therefore, homeowners who own AC systems that use R22 are strongly advised to start looking for a replacement system.
A Transition to Next-Generation Refrigerants
Unfortunately, there are some additional things you’ll need to know if you’re in the market for a new AC. This is because R22’s main successor, R410a, is also in the early stages of a phaseout. In fact, the federal Environmental Protection Agency has already set hard transition dates for AC manufacturers. These regulations call for manufacturers to start using a new class of refrigerants called A2Ls in their new systems.
A2Ls get their name from their safety classification. The A means that they’re non-toxic, while the 2 indicates that they’re slightly flammable. Fortunately, the L means they’re slow burning, so they’re safe for use in residential settings. The real benefit of A2Ls, however, is that they’re far less damaging to the environment. They pose no risk to the ozone layer and are far less potent than greenhouse gases.
The regulations mandate that all new AC systems manufactured after Jan. 1, 2025, must use A2Ls. That means many, if not most, of the systems on the market today don’t use them yet. For homeowners, this means you’ll need to be careful if you’re purchasing a new AC this year. If you purchase one that still uses R410a, you may end up needing a replacement sooner than you’d like. As of now, there’s still no date set for a total ban on R410a production or import.
Your Refrigerant Transition Partner
The good news is that Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning has your back if you’re looking for a new air conditioning unit for your Bellevue home. We’ve served local homeowners for over 22 years, offering affordable, quality HVAC services. We’re a Lennox Premier Dealer, so we have access to the latest in quality AC systems. Lennox is already manufacturing new AC systems that use R454B, which is an A2L refrigerant. They also offer ductless mini-split systems that use R32, another A2L refrigerant. Plus, we can help you with maintenance and repair services for your existing HVAC system.
We also offer ductwork services, indoor air quality services, and smart thermostats. We even service commercial HVAC systems if you also own a local business. And if you need help affording a new AC system for your home, we offer financing options on approved credit. So, if you’re interested in a new, environmentally friendly AC for your Bellevue home, call Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning today!
