When is A2L refrigerant required in HVAC systems in Sun City, Arizona? Like the lush golf courses that mask Sun City’s exceptionally hot and dry climate, you can hardly expect that answer to be uncomplicated.
Mountainside Air, a highly rated AC service in Sun City, AZ, covers all the details below.
A2L Refrigerants Explained
The impact of the refrigerant in your HVAC system on the environment has always been a hot topic among responsible world citizens. Sustainability researchers constantly monitor how these powerful chemicals affect the environment. The results aren’t good, which means everyone is on the lookout for a better alternative.
When these researchers find an alternative and publish their findings, the Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant bodies swing into action to enforce the adoption. A2L refrigerants like R-454B are the latest in a long line of these coolant upgrades.
In addition, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers sets the safety and performance standards for refrigerants in air conditioning units, heat pumps, and other HVAC systems. The ASHRAE standards rate refrigerants based on their toxicity and flammability – the A2L classification shows lower flammability and zero toxicity.
A2L refrigerants are non-toxic like their predecessors, such as R-410A, but a lot better at preventing fire-related accidents. These coolants also have an even lower global warming potential, which is how A2L refrigerants meet the EPA and ASHRAE’s GWP reduction goal.
When Is It Required by the EPA?
When is A2L refrigerant required in HVAC systems for properties in Sun City, Arizona, and beyond? The EPA has laid out some guidelines.
For example:
- All residential and light commercial HVAC systems manufactured after January 1, 2025, must have A2L refrigerants.
- Any HVAC systems already manufactured before the deadline must be installed before January 1, 2026. Otherwise, it will need to be retrofitted for A2L refrigerants.
- Window air conditioning units get more leeway, as units manufactured before January 1, 2025, can be sold until January 1, 2028.
What Does This Mean for Property Owners in Sun City, AZ?
Firstly, remember that the new changes do not affect your existing HVAC system. You can continue to use any unit you have currently until it reaches the end of its lifespan. However, as older refrigerants become scarcer, you may struggle to find enough refrigerant to meet the refrigerant charge limit for your system if it needs a top-up.
Anyone thinking about installing a new HVAC system beyond the deadlines must pay more attention to the details when picking their new unit. Is it a central air conditioner or a heat pump manufactured before 2025? Install it before 2026, or risk sitting on a new HVAC system that you can’t install without breaking local regulations.
Weigh the Costs Carefully Before Committing to an HVAC
When is A2L refrigerant required? Knowing the answer is a sure way to avoid a costly mistake. If you intend to buy an HVAC system in the near future, balance your need to install a new system now against choosing a system that is compatible with A2L refrigerants.
Be careful; manufacturers have to move all current air conditioning units before January 1, 2025, so you may find lots of bargains closer to the EPA deadline. Think about the ongoing costs of maintaining the “cheap” HVAC system. Also, remember that refrigerants for older systems will only get more expensive as the supply dwindles.
Don’t Bank On Cheap A2L Alternatives or Upgrades
Ditch any notion of switching to A2L refrigerants later – combinations are not possible. That means you can’t retrofit an air conditioner designed to use older refrigerants so that it can run on A2L refrigerants instead.
Ignoring the bargain on units about to get phased out and making the switch to another A2L-compliant HVAC system may cost you more, but you’ll recoup expenses over time with the unit running more efficiently. You should also spend less on refrigerant refills during maintenance, which puts money back into your pocket.
Get Expert Guidance From Your Local Pros in Sun City, AZ
When is A2L refrigerant required? By January 2025 for most units (or January 2028 for window units). If you’re thinking about installing a new HVAC system, discuss these changes and what they mean for your home with a trusted professional. You may have several properties in your portfolio and want to find out whether the change to A2Ls will affect you, and we can help.
Call Mountainside Air’s Suncity, Arizona, team today to schedule a consultation with the leading provider of cooling and heating services in the area!