Service First AC: Supplying R-454B Refrigerant In San Antonio
Service First Air Conditioning and Heating is committed to keeping you informed about changes in the HVAC industry. A recent development impacting homeowners is the transition to the R-454B refrigerant. It serves as a new alternative to R-410A (AC Freon®), which has been a staple in air conditioning systems for years.
As the industry moves toward more environmentally friendly options, it’s important to understand what this refrigerant change means for your HVAC system. We share how it might impact your air conditioning unit’s maintenance routine and when to consider a new AC system.
What Is R-454B Refrigerant?
R-454B is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to older AC refrigerants. It was designed to reduce global warming potential (GWP), which measures how much greenhouse gas warms the earth rather than carbon dioxide.
R-454B has a GWP of 466, which is significantly lower than R-410A’s GWP of 2088. The primary goal of this change is to lower the environmental impact of air conditioner and refrigeration systems, which is in line with the global push for more sustainable practices.
Why Is The AC Refrigerant Change Happening?
In recent years, there has been a global push to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that companies reduce the use of high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A and move toward more eco-friendly alternatives.
As a result, R-454B is being introduced as a part of the effort to phase out harmful refrigerants and align with global standards for environmental sustainability.
What Does The R-454B Transition Mean for Your AC System?
For San Antonio homeowners with older air conditioning systems that use R-410A, the transition to R-454B may require some adjustments. Service First AC details what you need to know.
New AC Installations
If you’re installing a new air conditioning unit, the system will be designed to use R-454B. Many new HVAC models come with this refrigerant pre-installed, providing an energy-efficient and eco-friendly solution right from the start.
Maintenance Considerations
For homeowners with older air conditioning systems using R-410A refrigerant, it’s important to keep in mind that the stock of this refrigerant will decrease over time. This limitation will cause the cost of refills to rise. While routine maintenance remains critical for keeping your system running efficiently, the availability of R-410A will become more limited.
Routine tune-ups are just as essential as ever. Our team will continue performing vital tasks, such as checking refrigerant levels, inspecting coils and ensuring proper system operation. However, it’s wise to plan for potential higher costs and the diminishing availability of older refrigerants.
Do I Have To Install A New Air Conditioner With R-454B?
No, you do not have to install a new AC unit at this time! Stockpiled or recycled amounts of older refrigerants are still available. However, as time goes on, these supplies will dwindle, causing costs to rise if you need service on your existing system.
If your AC unit is over 10 years old, it may be more cost-effective to consider a new system that uses R-454B. Newer systems are designed for greater energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, offering long-term savings and helping you avoid future refrigerant challenges.
Gain Efficient Cooling With Service First AC
Service First Air Conditioning and Heating ensures that our customers in San Antonio, TX, benefit from the latest and most efficient technologies available. The transition to this new AC refrigerant is just one example of how the HVAC industry is evolving toward greater sustainability.
Whether you need help replenishing refrigerant levels or installing a new AC system, our team is here to guide you through every step of these processes. Contact us today to learn more about the refrigerant change and explore your options for air conditioning services.
