New refrigerant for HVAC 2023
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The face of the AC industry is always changing. Though home comfort is a wonderful luxury, it’s important to balance a comfortable environment inside with a healthy global environment beyond the walls of your home. To this end, the government is moving AC units away from R410a and other HCFC refrigerants and implementing new efficiency standards. Here’s what you need to know about the R410 phaseout and new 2021 energy efficiency standards. Show The Rise and Fall of HFCsHFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerants were originally developed as a replacement for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) used in sectors such as air conditioning, refrigeration, and foam blowing. As ODS products such as R-22 refrigerants were phased out in compliance with the Montreal Protocol (MP) from the mid-1990s through 2010, the use of HFCs such as the well-known R410 refrigerant went up significantly. Unfortunately, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol then followed in 2019, with the goal of phasing out HFCs. The Kigali Amendment aims to reduce HFC consumption by more than 80% by 2047. This should help slow down the increase in global temperature by 0.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. The AIM Act and HFC Phase-OutThe AIM (American Innovation & Manufacturing) Act passed in 2020, further elaborating on the phase-out of HFCs. This act gave the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) authorization to set standards for HFC management and reduction in the coming years. On September 23, 2021, the EPA released its final rule on the HFC phase-down. These guidelines detail the gradual reduction in HFC production which will begin in 2022 and continue through 2036. By 2036, efforts will plateau with a 15% decrease in the baseline. Starting January 1, 2022, the AIM Act prohibits production or consumption of regulated substances in the US without correlating production or consumption allowances. Through 2022 and 2023, the EPA will allocate up to 90% of the baselines. Companies cannot bank these allowances as they will not carry forward past the respective calendar years. These allowances will reduce to 60% in 2024. New System Requirements in 2023Starting in 2023, new HVAC systems will no longer use R-410A. These systems will also be subject to new energy efficiency standards. New AC units produced in 2023 and beyond must have a minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of 14 in the northern part of the U.S. and at least 15 in the southern part of the country. Heat pumps will face a minimum HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) of 8.8. Introducing A2L RefrigerantsThe EPA recommends A2L refrigerants such as R32 and R454B as replacements for R410. These A2L products are mildly flammable, presenting a fresh set of considerations when incorporating them in place of the A1 refrigerants that cannot propagate a flame. While HVAC professionals must take the potential flammability of these refrigerants into account, it’s important to note that the potential for ignition is still very low. A2L refrigerants require a high ignition energy, so most sources will not cause them to ignite. The EPA’s SNAP Rule 23 identifies six A2L refrigerants as safe alternatives to R410. In addition to R32 and R454B, the EPA has also approved R452B, R454A, R454C, and R457A.These refrigerants are currently approved only for new self-contained and split-system air conditioners that are specifically designed for A2L refrigerants. Handling the A2L SwitchAC units cannot seamlessly transition from R410 to A2L refrigerants. The air conditioner must be designed specifically for the A2L product. Therefore, the move to new refrigerants will only impact customers who are installing new units. This means that technicians must stay up-to-date with the best practices for working with both types of refrigerants as the transition is underway over the next few decades. Our professionals at Griffith Energy Services, Inc. always stay at the forefront of new AC innovations. We can help you navigate the changing landscape of cooling systems and make sure you have the right system for your home. If you’re considering a new AC installation, call us today to find out about the latest highly efficient products available for your home. Air conditioning technicians and businesses should prepare now for a significant upcoming change in the HVAC industry: a new refrigerant. R-454b will be the refrigerant for the next 15 years, but even though its use will not be mandated until 2023, installers and HVAC technicians should be ready to use it starting Jan. 1, 2022. » Want to grow your business? Click here to get a demo. “Manufacturers are starting to switch over,” said Bill Powers CFE, ServiceTitan’s Senior Industry Advisor. “People should be preparing and getting certified now. All new residential sales next year will have units that use the new gas.” New refrigerant training and certifications will be required. Some classes have been created already. Powers said groups like the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and ESCO are already certified to offer classes, and NATE also will have certification testing. People need to start preparing today for 2022,” Powers said. Powers’ point that the changeover will start sooner than required is illustrated on Trane’s website. Trane is candid that it is making chillers, heat pumps and rooftop units that will use R-454b refrigerant. R-454b will replace R-410a, which has been the primary refrigerant since 2008. The changes are prompted by ozone depletion, a factor in climate change. R-22 was used until 2008, but it contained chlorine, which damages the ozone when it leaks. R-410a lacked ozone and thus had less Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), but it had Global Warming Potential (GWP) that was higher than R-22. The #1 newsletter for the trades. R-454b, also known as Opteon XL41, has no ODP and GWP that is 78% lower than R410a. The Opteon website calls it “a refrigerant solution that offers maximum performance with minimal environmental impact.” Businesses need to be laser-focused on building codes, Powers said. Those codes will have to be updated to accept the new coolant. Installers are advised to communicate regularly with local building departments to make sure the code has been changed before proceeding with units that use R-454b. It would not be wise to think the changeover won’t take place sooner rather than later. Powers said the business will be driven by standards enacted by the state of California that take effect in 2023. Once systems are made for California, manufacturers will make them for the rest of the country. R-22 and R-410a will remain usable options, though R-22 will be phased out by 2030. Powers said that honesty with customers is vital. It would not be ethical for any technician or company to tell consumers that R-22 and R-410a are illegal and their existing system cannot be repaired. That would be a deceitful way to sell a more expensive new system. “Integrity is a must in our industry,” Powers said. “Hold all your people to the highest standard possible. No scare tactics. Keep our business clean.” ServiceTitan Software ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us. Learn More What refrigerant will replace RThe leading replacement for R-410A refrigerant is a pure, single component refrigerant called R-32, which has one-third the global warming potential of R‑410A.
What is the future refrigerant?HFC-HFO Blends – A transitionary family of refrigerants blends that leverage the respective benefits of both HFOs and HFCs. These blends are a short-term solution which have a GWP approximately half that of HFCs.
Is RR-410A is scheduled for elimination from all new systems in 2023. Many HVACR contractors are not prepared for the change, and there are many questions. Here are some answers.
How long will r410 be available?However, the phaseout could begin around 2024 and take 10 years to complete. At that date, you might need to install a new your system regardless, because the average life span for an air conditioning system is typically 15 years.
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