There’s a raging shift in the HVAC industry, and it is time to take a close look at your home’s HVAC system. The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 started the gradual phasing down of existing classes of refrigerants and established new requirements for refrigerants used in heat pumps and air conditioners. The challenge is verifying whether your HVAC system meets A2L refrigerant standards.
This article is here to help you evaluate your HVAC system and determine whether it needs an upgrade for A2L refrigerant.
Signs That Your HVAC System Needs an A2L Upgrade
As a homeowner, you should stay ahead of technology and be aware of the dangers of R22 refrigerant. If your HVAC systems provider is honest enough, they should emphasize the various advantages of shifting to A2L refrigerants. What you need to know now is how to check if your HVAC system can handle A2L refrigerant.
- Regular Repairs: For starters, if your current HVAC system is too costly to repair, then you are ready to upgrade to the new system. There’s an advantage in making that decision to ignore minor repairs and shifting your system completely to make it ready for A2L refrigerant. In this case, you are changing the refrigerant as well as making your home’s energy solutions sustainable and efficient.
- The Installation Process: The second aspect of determining whether your HVAC system can handle A2L refrigerant is evaluating the installation process. The installation procedures for A2L refrigerant and A1 systems are quite similar.
- Pre-Installation Precautions: Differences are usually present during the pre-installation process. Precautions are needed to install an HVAC system that uses A2L refrigerants, which are considered more flammable.
- Space and Air Supply: You should evaluate whether the refrigerant lines are located in a large enough space and have enough air to keep the refrigerant charge at or below a percentage of the lower flammability limit (LFL). The space is necessary for when the charge accidentally leaks into it. Still, you should always refer to the installation guide from your manufacturer and the rules in your jurisdiction concerning the installation requirements for HVAC systems, which usually vary from one jurisdiction to another.
Start Your A2L Transition Now
Ultimately, it is important to be proactive in safely transitioning your HVAC in Atlanta, GA, to A2L refrigerants. While the phaseout of HFC refrigerants is gradual, Moncrief recommends starting the shift to A2L refrigerants as soon as possible. Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning is a licensed and insured company specializing in installation, repair, and maintenance services for heating and cooling systems. Call us today to schedule an appointment.