This December we want to take time to educate our clientele on upcoming industry changes. While Gudorf Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical will be here to help you navigate through the new heating and air modifications, we want to provide helpful information. As times are growing and changing, that also includes our heating and air equipment and manufacturing.
In January 2025, we will see transitions to new freon, R454B. With this change, we will see longer lead times to get equipment as distributors will be facing lead times getting deliveries. This also means as any R410A system starts to age, we will no longer be able to replace just the furnace or just the air conditioner. The new freon will not be compatible with the previous freon types. If you have an older air conditioner, you won’t be affected by this new refrigerant change. It will only be used in new models—so the next time you replace your system, your refrigerant will change as well.
The Environmental Protection Agency will no longer allow manufacturers to build residential ducted and ductless HVAC equipment using the current refrigerant, R410A. Refrigerant is a chemical compound that absorbs heat and converts it to cool air with the help of your air conditioning system. While air conditioners have used many different types of refrigerants over the years, many of them have become obsolete, either due to negative environmental effects or lack of energy efficiency. As the newest refrigerant, R454B greatly reduces these concerns.
So, does all this mean you have to upgrade your AC system to one that uses the new refrigerant? The answer is not right away. You are allowed to keep your current air conditioner, no matter what refrigerant it uses, for the duration of its serviceable life. When you do make the switch, you’ll enjoy higher system efficiency, which means lower utility bills for you. You’ll also contribute to a healthier environment.
Unfortunately, there are no retrofit scenarios which would allow current AC systems to use the new refrigerant. This means that HVAC equipment currently on the market had to be redesigned to use R454B.
Do not be worried, Gudorf Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical will be here to walk with you and your family all the way during this change. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are proud to be Your Total Home Comfort Provider.
812-634-5101 | gudorfmarketing@gudorf.com | www.gudorf.com
Merry Christmas from The Gudorf PHCE Team