Replenish Longview AC Refrigerant With Acme AC
The HVAC industry is evolving to meet environmental demands and legal requirements. With this evolution comes a new AC refrigerant in the United States — R-454B. Acme Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help you understand what the upcoming refrigerant changes mean for your AC system, helping you determine when to repair your air conditioner vs. replace it.
The introduction of R-454B refrigerant marks a significant shift in HVAC technology, offering benefits for efficiency and the environment. Below is everything you need to know about this transition and how it affects your system.
Why Are New Refrigerants Created?
The creation of new refrigerants like R-454B stems from the need to reduce the environmental effect of HVAC systems. Older refrigerants, such as R-22 — commonly referred to as Freon™ — were phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer. Its replacement, R-410A, addressed ozone depletion but has a high global warming potential (GWP).
To comply with regulations like the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which phases down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), manufacturers have developed refrigerants like R-454B to reduce GWP while maintaining efficiency.
Long story short, the refrigerant industry evolves every few years to provide a refrigerant that has less effect on the environment and allows our homes to be more comfortable.
What Makes R-454B Stand Out?
R-454B is an innovative solution for environmental concerns and system performance. Here’s why it stands out:
- Lower global warming potential — R-454B reduces GWP, making it a more sustainable choice.
- Energy efficiency — Systems using this alternative operate efficiently. It helps reduce energy costs while maintaining effective cooling.
- Compatibility — Though it’s not a drop-in replacement for older refrigerants, R-454B aligns with modern HVAC designs for optimized performance.
When Is R-454B Going Into Effect?
The adoption of R-454B begins in 2025, following the AIM Act regulations. This means:
- Newly manufactured AC systems will use R-454B.
- Supplies of R-410A will diminish, leading to higher costs for repairs requiring this refrigerant.
- Homeowners with older systems should consider replacing outdated air conditioning for long-term savings and efficiency.
Can I Still Use My Old AC During The Refrigerant Change?
Yes, you can continue using your current AC system during the transition to R-454B refrigerant. However, repairs for systems using R-410A or R-22 may become more expensive as these refrigerants are phased out and become harder to source.
How Does This Impact HVAC Owners?
The refrigerant change impacts both system maintenance and replacement decisions.
Repairs With Older Refrigerants
If your system uses R-410A, addressing issues like an AC refrigerant leak or scheduling a freon recharge will become more expensive over the next few years. These factors make preventative air conditioning maintenance crucial to avoiding costly repairs.
Planning For System Upgrades
Older units may struggle to keep up with the availability of outdated refrigerants. Upgrading to an R-454B-compatible system ensures long-term savings on repairs and energy bills and compliance with environmental standards.
What Should You Do If You Suspect A Freon Leak?
If you notice issues like reduced cooling or hear unusual sounds, you may have an AC freon leak. It’s essential to take action and prevent further damage. The team at Acme Air Conditioning & Heating can assess your system and identify potential leaks. We’ll recommend effective solutions, whether it’s a repair or an upgrade to a modern system.
Choose Acme AC For Air Conditioner Replacement Services
The switch to R-454B refrigerant is a step toward a greener, more efficient future for HVAC systems. While the transition may seem daunting, Acme Air Conditioning & Heating is here to guide Longview homeowners every step of the way. We ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of R-454B and how we can keep your home cool and efficient.
