Helping Augusta Navigate the Switch to R-454B and R-32

12/13/2024

What’s Going on with the Refrigerants?

You may remember the hoopla when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned R22 in 2010. They did this due to its ability to “gnaw” through the ozone layer. Similar restrictions were placed on residential use, commercial refrigeration, and motor vehicle AC systems. The next generation of refrigerants was soon revealed to be a large contributor to climate change.

This now impacts the world’s most popular residential AC refrigerant, R–410A. With a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of over 2,000, it’s three times as impactful on the environment as low-GWP refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B. This excellent piece breaks down current refrigeration shifts.

To help protect the environment, the EPA now requires all newly made units to utilize refrigerants with low global warming potential. While several new-generation refrigerants arose, two stand out as consistent top dogs. These are R32 and R-454B. Various brands have declared their loyalty to one of these two, with R-32 being the defacto winner. But experts are sure both will be mainstays in the residential cooling market in places like Augusta and Martinez.

Why Does This Matter to Homeowners in Augusta?

People in Richmond and Greenville counties probably think there are way more important things to do than think about the refrigerant in their home’s AC units. If you’re one of these, for the most part, you’re right. But heating and cooling your home accounts for roughly 27% of a home’s energy usage in a humid place like Augusta. Below are a few ways these federal regulations will impact you:

• New Unit Costs: The cost of air conditioners will increase because these new refrigerant regulations are being launched alongside new safety requirements.
• Potential Recharge Costs: First, we want to state that an air conditioner should never require refrigerant recharging. This kind of Augusta AC repair is just a band-aid. You’ll need to find the source of the leak to fix this issue permanently. With that said, these new laws will impact the availability of older refrigerants on the market. As time goes on, the cost of refilling your unit will expand.
• Environmental Impact: If you're passionate about green, consider switching early. The new-generation refrigerants provide the same level of cooling with a much lower carbon pawprint.

What’s the Lowdown on R-454B and R-32?

There are two main winners when it comes to new refrigerants in Augusta. Please note that retrofitting current units to utilize these new refrigerants is not currently possible. Both of these are classified as A2L, meaning they’re slightly flammable. The unique characteristics of both are outlined below:

Why You Might Want to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner in Augusta Early

Is your current unit more than 10 years old? Will you need to replace your AC unit in the next couple of years? Then, consider getting a quote on Augusta AC Installation before the stock of new 410A units is gone. Please note that Bailey's Comfort Services is very much for this environmental progress, but we also understand the potential burdens this switch brings to homeowners.

Due to the widespread status of 410A units, the coolant stock will remain consistent for decades to come. Here are a few things to consider:

New Safety Features May Drive Up the Cost of New Systems

Air conditioners can pose dangers to yourself and the surrounding environment. For years, HVAC experts have worked diligently to mitigate these risks. Many of these solutions will become compulsory in units made in 2025 and beyond. These additional complexities can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a new AC unit in Augusta.

A New Generation of Air Conditioners Means Bugs and Glitches

Your car-obsessed aunt or uncle likely refuses to buy the first model year of a new car. This is because untested things tend to have undiscovered problems. The same will likely be true of these new units. Please note that this applies more to R-454B units than R-32 ones. The latter has been in use in some markets since 2016. If you’re not willing to play the part of guinea pig, then opting to purchase one of the remaining 410A units may be a good idea.

Air Conditioning Installation of New-Generation Units Will Be More Expensive

Remember those additional features mentioned earlier? Installing those and handling the new nit requirements equates to higher installation costs. Classes and training must also be taken to ensure a seamless installation process. As most Augusta HVAC companies already know how 410A units work, there’ll be no issues. Much of this increased cost is due to the flammability of A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B.

Discounts Will Be Available to Clear Old Inventory

To make way for new R-32 and R-454B units, many Augusta HVAC companies will reduce the cost of older units still in inventory. Please note that this isn’t expected to happen until 2026, as the availability of 410A units will still be high. We invite you to check out our promotions page to see if we’re offering any AC repair or replacement deals. Need financing help? We have a variety of options designed to meet the needs of homeowners in the Augusta.

Can Bailey's Help Me Navigate This Changeover?

We can! Our Augusta HVAC company has been in business since 2005. That means we’re no stranger to these EPA changes. Our technicians helped hundreds of homeowners navigate the switch from R-22 to R-410A and look forward to helping you navigate this change, too. Talk to us if you want to acquire a 410A unit before they are phased out.