What’s the Difference Between R-22, R-410A & Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants?

by Vickie Blakey | Oct. 11, 2024

453

Comparing Refrigerants Side-by-Side

As a homeowner considering an HVAC purchase, it’s important that you understand the difference so you can make the best decision for your system. We’ve outlined below the main differences and why they matter.

R-22

Often referred to by a brand name like Freon®
As of 2010, R-22 was discontinued for use in new air conditioning systems
R-22 is a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) which contributes to ozone depletion

R-410A

Often referred to by a brand name like Puron®
R-410A will be discontinued in new, residential air conditioners beginning Jan. 1, 2026. New R-410A systems can still be installed through Dec. 31, 2025.
R-410A is being phased down and replaced by low GWP refrigerants (A2Ls).

A2L Refrigerants

The HFC phasedown is being driven by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which has authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the supply and demand of HFC refrigerants.
A2L refrigerants are characterized by mild flammability, low toxicity, and low GWP. They include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends.
Low GWP refrigerants, R-32 (675 GWP) and R-454B (466 GWP) for air conditioning, have been introduced.

New equipment and systems using low-GWP refrigerants will be introduced in 2024.

What does this mean to homeowners?

During 2024 and 2025, homeowners looking to replace their AC or heat pump (currently using R-410A) or needing a full system replacement can still replace their unit with R-410A systems (based on availability). More than likely, this will be a lower cost than the new A2L systems. However, R-410A refrigerant production will continue to be phased down. There will be a major cut in HFC refrigerant production / import – 40% in 2024 and 70% beginning in 2029 (potentially driving R-410A prices up). Limited availability of R-410A will impact service costs (units requiring refrigerant) in the future.

If you’re looking for a full system replacement you can request a quote for one of the new A2L systems. The low global warming potential systems are more environmentally friendly and have a reduced impact on climate change versus previous refrigerants.

As always, consider potential rebates from your utility company or federal tax credits that are available for selecting higher efficiency systems. You can learn more at www.desireusa.org and www.energy.gov/save/rebates.

Related Articles
HVAC Glossary of Terms

3 Tips to Stay Cool (and Save Money) this Summer

by Sarah Taylor | Jul. 10, 2023

With summer now officially underway and temperatures continuing to rise, the last thing a homeowner wants to experience is a broken air conditioner. According to the U.S. Census, more than 91% of homes have central air or a window air conditioning. Knowing this, it’s important for homeowners to prioritize their HVAC system not only during the summer but year-round. Here are three tips to keep your air conditioner running smoothly, while also lowering energy bills:

KEEP AC UNIT AND SURROUNDING AREA CLEAN
- When you routinely inspect your indoor and outdoor unit it allows for consistent and effective air flow. Your summer checklist should consist of removing covers and debris, replacing filters and damaged insulation, checking the coil drain, and cleaning supply vents and vent grills. If you’re not sure where to begin, start by replacing your dirty air filter. The U.S. Department of Energy states that you can lower your energy usage by up to 15% by just replacing your old filter.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECK-INS
- It’s recommended that your HVAC system should be checked once a year. According to Energy Star, the best time to schedule your annual maintenance is either in the spring or fall to allow for any necessary repairs before temperatures change. Being proactive with regular scheduled check-ins will ultimately lower the risk of emergency repairs or replacements. According to this recent USA Today article, “tune-ups typically cost $60 to $200, while a full AC replacement can cost $5,000 or more.”

INSTALL SMART THERMOSTAT
- The U.S. Department of Energy suggests adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher than your normal temperature for 8 hours a day, which can help you save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling. When switching to a smart thermostat, a homeowner can control the temperature easily at home or away while also gaining insight into energy savings.

A final consideration, with adoption of heat pump technology on the rise, is also servicing that equipment on an annual basis or, if a replacement is in order, factoring in the benefits of and considering this technology. Now being installed in approximately 40% of new U.S. homes, heat pumps can offer homeowners a more efficient solution to heat and cool their spaces, potentially saving on their energy costs and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

What is a Heat Pump, and is it Right for Me?

by AC & Heating Experts | Nov. 29, 2022

What is a Heat Pump And How Does it Work?

Heat pumps are simply central air conditioners that provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. During the winter months they literally run in reverse to heat your home. A heat pump can be one of the most efficient methods to heat and cool your home, and a good choice for a number of reasons. Understanding heat pumps can be achieved by recognizing their role in efficiently transferring heat from one location to another.

What Size Heat Pump Do I need?

Determining the right size of heat pump for your needs is crucial for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Factors such as the square footage of your space, insulation levels, climate, and specific heating and cooling requirements must be considered. A professional HVAC contractor can conduct a load calculation to accurately determine the appropriate heat pump size for your home. Oversized or undersized units can lead to inefficiency, discomfort, and increased energy costs. Trust the expertise of a qualified professional to ensure your heat pump is properly sized, providing you with the ideal balance of comfort and efficiency.

Heat Pump Benefits

By having one system that provides heating and cooling you can save on upfront equipment costs by not purchasing a furnace. (Check out our Heat Pump Rebate finder tool and see if you qualify. Also learn about heat pump tax credits.)
Combining the mechanical efficiency with off-peak seasonal electricity rates in the winter months means lower energy costs for heating.
Because heat pumps use electricity efficiently rather than burning fossil fuels, they are generally cleaner and less harmful to the environment.

Heat Pump Caution

While heat pump technology is becoming more and more efficient at heating and cooling, there are still circumstances where a furnace or secondary heat source will be necessary. In areas of the country that routinely get below 15°F for extended periods of time it might be beneficial to use the heat pump with an auxiliary heating solution such as a conventional gas furnace. Ask your contractor about the latest high efficiency heat pumps and duel fuel systems available for your region of the country.

Using a heat pump air conditioner that does both heating and cooling can provide a low cost, high efficiency and environmentally-friendly solution for your comfort needs all year long. Learn how you can maximize your heat pump efficiency.

Do you know anyone that has recently installed a heat pump? Let us know if you’re considering one!

4 Reasons to Choose a Modulating AC or Heat Pump

by AC & Heating Experts | Sep. 23, 2022

Originally published on August 19, 2014

Do you have hot and/or cold spots in your home?

Finding a way to evenly manage temperature and humidity control are two main advantages of a modulating system. While a fixed speed system can only run at full speed, a modulating system can have two or more speeds. In terms of temperature control, this means a modulating system will provide consistent air conditioning that is commensurate with the need in the home, as opposed to a fixed speed’s just turning on or off. Rooms that receive the least airflow often have these hot or cold spots which the modulating systems help even out.

Are you too warm or cold while sleeping?

Another instance of consistent airflow impacting quality of life is during the night when comfort can directly relate to the ability to sleep. A fixed speed system can cause a homeowner to be both too hot and too cold, depending on whether the system is cycling on or off. Conversely, a modulating system can provide a longer-lasting and less intense airflow, which keeps rooms at a more precise temperature and allows the homeowner to have better comfort control while they sleep, with fewer cycles than a fixed speed unit.

Have you ever gotten a “clammy” or a “sticky” sensation from the air at home?

In terms of comfort, humidity increases how warm an environment feels and may lead to the sensation of clamminess. Since modulating HVAC systems run more consistently, more air is cycled through the system, which removes moisture, and lower indoor humidity is achieved. Lower humidity allows the homeowner to raise the thermostat temperature, thereby saving energy.

Have you ever experienced issues with mold growth in the home?

In addition to how the air feels, high relative humidity can lead to mold growth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends to, “Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50 percent — all day long.” A fixed speed system allows relative humidity to go as high as 60 percent while modulating systems do not break 50 percent. Mold is harmful to the physical features of the home, in addition to human health; a modulating HVAC system prevents harmful mold growth by removing moisture from the air.

In the end, it comes down to what will best fit your home, preferred lifestyle, and budget. Keep in mind while modulating systems may have a higher upfront cost, there are energy savings and rebates to consider. Learn more about heat pump rebates and tax credits here.

HVAC in the Southeast: What’s the Best System for My Home?

by Vickie Blakey | Sep. 23, 2022

Originally published on June 24, 2021

Every region throughout the U.S. has different HVAC needs based on their location and climate. The Southeast region is known as a “hot and humid” region with mild winters and requires HVAC systems that can handle this type of weather.

Due to the warm climate, homes in the Southeast need efficient cooling and dehumidifying systems as well as an option for light winter heating. While most homes continue to use central cooling and heating systems, heat pumps are also widely used in the Southeast as an ideal solution for the mild winters. The popularity of heat pumps has grown, especially in recent years, as a commonly used cooling and heating technology.

Central Systems

Most households across the U.S., regardless of region, tend to depend on central heating and cooling to regulate interior temperatures. While central furnaces have seen a slight usage decline in recent years due to more heat pump installations (65% to 61% between 2001 and 2015), they continue to dominate the HVAC market across North America.

Central air conditioning commonly uses a split system, which includes both an outdoor and indoor unit that pumps refrigerant through the system. As warm air blows across the indoor evaporator coil, it transfers to the refrigerant stored inside the coil which cools the air. The absorbed heat is taken outside of the home and deposited, while the cool air is distributed throughout the house.

Central heating typically uses a furnace that provides warm air throughout the house using ducts and air vents. The air inside your home blows through a heat exchanger to be warmed, then is transferred through ducts to your home’s interior. The Southeast tends to heavily rely on electricity as a fuel preference due to the hot and humid regional climate. Electrical furnaces usually have a long lifespan and do not require as much maintenance as gas furnaces.

Heat Pumps

With their popularity growing in warm southern areas, heat pumps are a single-unit system that provide both heating and cooling. Since a heat pump transfers heat instead of generating it, this type of system is more energy-efficient than a regular furnace or air conditioner and provides more cost savings.

Heat pumps work most effectively in mild winter climates that do not reach freezing temperatures on a regular basis. Since most homes in the Southeast do not need a heavy-duty furnace for their short, mild winters, a heat pump is an ideal choice that also provides cooling in the hot summer months. A reversal valve allows the system’s refrigerant to change direction and effectively act as both a furnace and air conditioner.

A heat pump acts as a two-way AC unit that can cool the entire house. Using refrigerant, it absorbs heat through an indoor set of coils and releases it through a secondary set of coils outside. This effectively cools the house during the summer months, even during high temperatures.

This method reverses during winter, and the heat pump extracts heat from outside, distributing it throughout the house through forced warm-air delivery systems. It uses electrical energy and refrigerant cooling to make this transfer and heat the home. If the climate does not include extreme temperatures, a heat pump should be enough to keep your home comfortable.

Put Money Back in Your Pocket

Did you know? The federal government offers a variety of tax credits to reduce the capital costs associated with implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency home projects.

If you live in the Southeast, keep track of rebates and incentives available in your area here. And stay tuned for additional heat pump rebates and tax credits with the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act (IRA –installations starting Jan. 1, 2023, and continuing until 12/31/2032 for tax credits and until 9/30/31 for rebates). With the purchase of a CEE top-tier of efficiency electric heat pump, households can qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost including installation (up to $2000). The state-administered rebate program is dependent on household income with qualifying households receiving rebates of up to $8000 on heat pumps for space heating and cooling.

Summer is Coming, is Your AC Unit Ready?

by AC & Heating Experts | May. 23, 2022

Originally published on April 9, 2018

Summer is coming, is your AC unit ready?

Remove covers
This includes condenser covers, coil blankets, or lids. Remove before turning to avoid major repairs or replacements.

Inspect panels
If the panel covering the electrical connections is missing, call a qualified technician to inspect your unit.

Remove debris
Wash away any debris such as stones, leaves, twigs and clear any vegetation growing around the unit. Often, debris hinders heat transfer lowering the performance of the unit.

Replace damaged insulation
Inspect the two refrigerant lines running from the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler. You should be able to find a small pipe and a larger pipe. If you notice any damage to the larger pipe, it can result in a loss of cooling which affects (damage the system) your unit and causes a loss of energy.

Inspect the indoor unit
Replace your filter. Change in season is a good time because cleaning a dirty and clogged one can lower your unit’s energy consumptions by 5-15%.

Check the coil drain
Check to make sure the line is in the proper place and has not been moved or broken. Inspect to check whether it would drain properly and in the appropriate location.

Clean supply vents and clean the vent grills
You could vacuum any dust or pet hair inside and make sure it’s not clogged by any debris.

Turn on your unit and test it- to make sure there is cool airflow through the indoor vents
If you notice that the airflow is not enough or the airflow isn’t cooling, then something might be wrong, and you should immediately turn off your system. You could also go through the above checklist again and try to turn it on again. If your unit is still giving you issues with its cooling, then contact your HVAC contractor to inspect the unit.

Is There a Best Time to Replace My HVAC System?

by Sarah Taylor | Jan. 21, 2022

Your HVAC system unfortunately will not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. Sometimes a simple repair is all that is needed, but there will come a day when the system either dies altogether or it simply isn’t worth it to keep draining money into constant repairs.

Ideally, you will be able to replace your system before it entirely quits so that you can take charge of the best time of year to make a replacement. How can you tell when you need to start thinking about upgrading your HVAC system?

Signs Your System Needs to Be Replaced

The system is older than 10 years

The Department of Energy recommends replacing your HVAC system every 10-15 years to maximize energy efficiency. Some newer units may last up to 15 years, so be sure to check when yours was installed and ask a professional how long it should last.

Constant Repairs

Does it seem like you have a stream of never-ending repairs? If you are constantly getting repairs done that are adding up in cost, it may be time to stop wasting money on a failing system and replace it.

Heating and Cooling Problems

Are some rooms in your house too hot or too cold? This lack of balance may indicate that your equipment is ready for an upgrade. Make sure that you do not have an insulation or duct problem as these are common causes for improper heating/cooling.

Poor Air Quality

If you start to notice excessive dust around the house, high humidity, or mold odors, first check your filters to make sure they aren’t clogged. If this does not solve the issue, you may want to replace your unit for better indoor air quality.

AC Uses R-22 Refrigerant

As of January 1, 2020, production of R-22 refrigerant has been phased out. If your unit runs out of R-22, an HVAC technician can service it using recycled or recovered R-22. However, if you need to replace your unit, you’ll need to install a new system that uses a more sustainable refrigerant, such as R-454B or R-32 (R-410A units are also still available through 2025).

What Time of Year Should I Replace My System?

If possible, it’s always best to try and schedule your HVAC replacement ahead of time so that you are not caught off-guard with a broken-down system. Scrambling to replace a failed system in the middle of winter or summer is not an ideal situation.

Typically, the off-season is the best time to make replacements. This usually includes the fall and spring months before extreme hot or cold temperatures hit. Contractors are almost always the busiest during summer and winter, so there may be a delay in getting service during those two seasons. Those are also the most expensive months for system replacements since that is when the industry is booming. During mild weather when business slows down, contractors are often more readily available and are usually more willing to lower prices and offer discounts.

Getting your HVAC replaced in the fall or spring is also generally more inconvenient for house occupants due to the mild temperatures. A replacement in the sweltering summer means that you will have to go without cool air for a period, which may turn into weeks due to the busy industry season. An off-season upgrade will likely have a faster turnaround without the discomfort of hot or freezing weather.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Thermocouples

by John Remley | Jan. 5, 2022

Thermocouples are critical components that ensure safe operation of gas-fired appliances inside the home, such as furnaces and hot water heaters. Many older gas-fired appliances use pilot lights, which ignite burners when there is a need for warm air or hot water. If the thermocouple fails to sense the presence of the pilot light, a thermocouple will not allow the gas valve to open preventing any kind of dangerous buildup of gas.

What is a Thermocouple & How Does it Work?

A thermocouple is two dissimilar metals joined together on one end. This junction of metals produces a very small voltage that corresponds to the sensed temperature.

The metal thermocouple is in the appliance’s pilot light flame and is always hot. If the pilot light goes out – the thermocouple will stop, producing electricity and the gas valve will never open – no heat or hot water.

Types of Thermocouples

There are several different types of thermocouples based on the many different applications they can service. Two main thermocouple groups can be distinguished through the metal materials used. One group uses base metals such as iron, nickel, or copper, and the other group uses noble metals such as rhodium, platinum, or tungsten – these are typically used for monitoring higher temperatures.

To differentiate between the many different thermocouple types, an alphabet naming convention is used, labeling thermocouples as “type B”, “type E”, “type J”, and so on. Ask your technician which type of thermocouple is best for your needs.

Other Thoughts and Tips

Gas-fired appliances can produce harmful gases and must be vented to the outside of the home. Some vents are metal, and some are special plastic pipes. On the outside of the home, there may be a special piece at the very end of the vent depending on the vent material used. Time and nature can corrode, damage, or even break off these “vent terminals”. Periodically check, especially after a bad storm that this piece is still there and intact, if you’re not sure – always call a professional.

In high wind conditions, pilot lights on the inside of homes can be extinguished by these high winds on the outside of homes. If this is happening, in some instances a baffle around the vent pipe to lessen this wind from affecting the vent pipe on the outside of the home may lessen the chance that high winds can extinguish the pilot light.

Maintenance

Thermocouples usually do not last as long as the furnaces they are installed in, so be sure to ask a professional when you should expect to replace yours. There are devices that can measure the electricity produced by a heated thermocouple. Keeping your gas-fired appliances with functioning thermocouples is one way to ensure that you always have warm air and hot water.

Don’t shut off the gas supply to gas-fired appliances with thermocouples as this can result in corrosion build-up on the thermocouple which can reduce the electricity that a thermocouple produces thereby resulting in poor or even no operation of the gas-fired appliance.

As far as regular maintenance, make sure to clean your air filter and have regularly scheduled tune-ups by a licensed professional to ensure your thermocouple and gas-fired appliances are operating properly. A filthy thermocouple can cause inaccurate readings, resulting in poor operation.

Expand your knowledge: Optimizing Your Homes Comfort with More HVAC Articles

System Efficiency – A Look into the Future

by Jennifer Butsch | Jan. 3, 2022

Previously we have looked at federal minimum energy efficiency levels and the metrics used today to rate air conditioning systems (such as SEER, integrated energy efficiency ratio, or full load EER). Now we are shifting focus and looking at system efficiency and where it is headed in the future.

Rated Equipment Efficiency Vs. System Efficiency

When talking about components – for example, compressors – the compressor’s efficiency is always discussed, often in terms of an isentropic efficiency. This measures the power or volumetric efficiency, giving an idea of how much refrigerant actually flows through the compressor. This can then be taken to a higher level in terms of COP, EER, SEER, etc. The problem with these is that they don’t necessarily cover the full operating conditions or the actual equipment application and how it performs.

One point that has come to the attention of many end customers and regulators is that over the last 30-40 years we are getting to a point where it is getting harder to squeeze energy efficiency out of single component pieces. Because of this, people have begun to look at how whole equipment systems perform at a building level when put together in a structure. This building level performance has become increasingly adopted both in the U.S. and overseas.

Decarbonization

Decarbonization is defined as any means used to reduce the carbon footprint of human activity. In the context of the HVAC industry, it relates to building decarbonization and reducing the carbon load put off by buildings through heating and AC. Several cities, especially those belonging to the U.S. Climate Alliance, refer to building decarbonization as a crucial step toward achieving overall decarbonization goals of net-zero or 80% reduction of emissions.

One of the main ways to reduce the carbon footprint in the HVAC industry is to try and reduce the load. Another vital factor is using lower global warming refrigerants to minimize system leaks. The third thing to focus on involves using higher energy efficiency systems and paying attention to the energy source.

Utility and policymakers tend to think more large scale rather than just at the component level, looking at energy sources and ways to reduce the amount of energy that buildings require. Source generation and moving to more renewable sources are key considerations when trying to reduce your carbon footprint in a holistic manner. California is currently a leader in using solar and wind renewables, while other areas of the country are just beginning to start that evolution.

Building Models

Taking a single piece of equipment and rating it at one condition or another is simple to complete in a lab. However, evaluating systems that have already gone into end-use in a building is much more difficult, especially when accounting for all the different conditions (occupancy, humidity, solar loading, etc.). The question becomes: how do we predict what the applied performance of a building will be like, and then how do we measure it?

This is where building models come into the picture. There are many models that have already been made and that are actively being developed. Organizations such as HRI, ASHRAE, and CSA play a large role in establishing standard sets of data for the industry. These standards bring about uniformity by creating norms on how data is presented, what to call different variables, and more.

Currently, these conversations are happening at the state level, but eventually, they will migrate down to the local level. As time goes on, contractors will be the ones communicating system efficiency to the broader group from a residential and commercial standpoint. Eventually, system efficiency will play a key role in the HVAC industry at all levels as we move forward into the future.

Read Next:

Winter is Coming – 5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Furnace

by Sarah Taylor | Nov. 30, 2021

Originally published on Oct. 30, 2017

Prepare Your Furnace for Winter – 5 Simple Steps

Winter is just around the corner, ushering in frigid temperatures almost overnight. Ensuring your house stays warm is vital for your family’s comfort, and no matter how cozy your blankets and fireplaces are, you’ll want to make sure your HVAC system is ready to switch over to heat. Is your furnace prepared to handle the coldest months?

Now is the time to think about steps you can take to prepare your heating unit for the cold winter ahead. Here are some steps you can take this fall to take care of your furnace and keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Replace Air Filters

Replacing your air filters on a regular basis keeps your HVAC system clean of dirt and particles and increases its longevity. The U.S. Department of Energy considers air filter replacement one of the most important maintenance tasks to ensure heating and cooling efficiency.

Make it a habit to change your filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filters used and your location’s climate. A dry, dusty climate may require more filter upkeep than other locations.

Each air filter is assigned a MERV rating or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating reports how effectively your filter traps airborne particles, using a scale of 1-16. The higher the rating, the more efficient the filter, and your unit functions. However, you don’t want to use an air filter with too high of a MERV rating since this can restrict airflow.

Ductwork Maintenance

Before turning on heat for the winter, you will want to either inspect your ducts yourself or get a professional to come out. Duct leaks are common and contribute to poor heating throughout the whole home. Holes, gaps, and other damage can result in wasted heat, which leads to frustration and higher bills. Now is the best time to bring out an HVAC contractor to ensure your ducts are ready for winter.

Clear Air Vents

Vents are notorious for collecting dirt and dust over time which restricts air flow and contributes to poor indoor air quality. Clean out all openings with a wet cloth and ensure nothing is blocking any vent openings.

Test Your Furnace

The last thing you want is to turn on your furnace for the first time on a cold winter day and find that the heating system needs repairs. Switch on your unit before cold weather hits and check for any abnormal signs – loud noises, cold spots in the house, or thermostat discrepancies. Each room should reach a comfortable temperature without issue.

Avoid Fire Hazards

Make sure all clutter is removed from around your heating unit to avoid fire hazards. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries or units if needed. Ensuring this equipment is operational is vital to your family’s safety during the winter season.

Taking the time to perform these quick, easy steps can keep your furnace running smoothly through all of winter. Put your mind at ease and get the help of a qualified technician to perform a full system inspection to avoid any problems that may arise.