R-410A Refrigerant Phase-Out: What You Need to Know

R-410A Refrigerant Phase-Out: Why R-32 is the Best Alternative and What You Need to Know About HVAC Compatibility

You may have heard the HVAC industry is undergoing refrigerant changes that can transform how you cool your home or business. The R-410A phase-out should be on the forefront of your mind if you’re considering upgrading or replacing your HVAC system.

The team at Triple Service is here to help you navigate how these changes can impact your systems to make well-informed, more sustainable decisions for your comfort, budget, and peace of mind. In this post, we’ll break down what the A2L refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant changes mean for you and how you can prepare for the future of the HVAC technology.

So read on to learn everything you need to know, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our Mendota HVAC experts with any questions you may have!

Why is R-410A Being Phased Out?

Environmental concerns are the primary reason for the R-410A phase-out, a commonly used chemical in HVAC systems. R-410A has been a long-standing, go-to choice. The problem? It also comes with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) that contributes to negative impacts on the environment when released into the atmosphere. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has also pushed for HVAC refrigerant regulations and global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out high-GWP refrigerants, including the problematic R-410A.

The move to phase out R-410A is already underway. By 2025, consumers can expect that they will no longer have access to the refrigerant and need to prepare for the transition. If your system still uses the old R-401A refrigerant, maintenance costs may continue to increase as supplies begin to dwindle in the marketplace.

What Are the R-32 Refrigerant Benefits?

R-32 is a top contender in the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives to keep your home or business cool. It’s already become a popular, go-to choice for global HVAC manufacturers due to its lower GWP when compared to the old-standby R-410A. 

There’s more good news for homeowners and business owners looking for a new HVAC system. A major R-32 refrigerant benefit is how energy-efficient it is, which means your HVAC can run easier while using less energy. You should see a decrease in your usual energy bills and may see a longer lifespan. 

R-32 also requires less refrigerant volume per system, which can mean even more cost savings for HVAC installations and maintenance. Most of the new HVACs rolling out into the market are already using R-32, making it an inexpensive choice for its use of the eco-friendly HVAC refrigerant. 

Can Your Current HVAC Use R-32?

No, older systems do not have R-32 HVAC compatibility and need to be modified or replaced altogether. Some refrigerants on the market are “drop-in” replacements; however, R-32 is different. It’s not interchangeable with R-410A, and using R-32 in a system that wasn’t designed for it could cause significant damage, reduce overall efficiency, and even void your HVAC warranty.

If your HVAC system is older, it probably won’t be compatible and will need a refrigerant upgrade or complete replacement. The best course of action is to contact the Triple Service team for a consultation with a licensed HVAC professional to discuss R-32 vs. R-410A. Our team can also assist in determining whether you can retrofit your current HVAC system for R-32 or if a complete replacement is needed.

If your system is aging or not working efficiently, it’s wise to consider upgrading to an R-32 system as soon as possible. The mainstream shift between R-32 vs. R-410A is inevitable, future-proofs your investment, and aligns with current and upcoming environmental regulations.

What Are the Refrigerant Compatibility Risks?

If you ignore refrigerant compatibility when upgrading or maintaining your HVAC system, you could end up with serious consequences that aren’t simple to fix. For starters, trying to use an incompatible refrigerant like R-32 in a system designed for R-410A could result in irreparable damage. You’ll quickly discover that the compressors, valves, and other components of your HVAC system can malfunction and lead to expensive repairs or a complete replacement.

Incompatible systems are also inefficient and can lead to a rapid rise in energy bills without seeing any benefits in added cooling. Your HVAC might cool your space, but work overtime to adjust the temperature and wear out quickly. Many warranties stipulate that you can only use specific approved refrigerants to maintain your coverage. Improper refrigerant use could leave you vulnerable to financial risk and a lack of warranty protection.

Steps to Transition Your HVAC System to R-32

If you’re ready to explore making the switch to an R-32 compatible HVAC system, there are a few things you can do to make the transition as seamless as possible. Start by contacting Triple Services to schedule an inspection with a licensed HVAC professional. We’ll assess what’s going on and advise whether we can make changes to your current system or if it needs a complete replacement.

The team at Triple Services can discuss which systems we recommend that run on R-32. If you already have a system in mind, ask your HVAC contractor about the system’s energy efficiency, long-term costs, and any maintenance requirements that you should be aware of when switching to R-32.

Regular maintenance is critical during and after your HVAC upgrade, just like with any HVAC system. We’ll make sure your HVAC system is working as efficiently as possible to reduce repairs and potentially expand its lifespan. Fortunately, R-32 refrigerant is known for its better performance, lower energy bills, and reduced environmental impact.

Call Triple Services for Your R-32 HVAC Transition

The transition to R-32 HVACs is already underway, and we’re ready to assist you in the change! Our team of experienced technicians knows any change in your home can feel overwhelming, but we’re fully equipped and skilled to walk you through the entire process. You’ll also enjoy R-32 long-term benefits including reduced utility bills, potential repairs, and an extended lifespan, reducing your HVAC’s negative impact on the environment. 

Ready to upgrade your HVAC system for the future? Contact Triple Service today to learn more about transitioning to R-32 refrigerant and how it can benefit your home or business! Give us a call or learn more about AC replacement and heating replacement!