The HVAC industry is gearing up for significant changes in refrigerant standards starting January 2025. Millian Aire is proud to be staying well ahead of these changes with ongoing training to prepare our technicians and educate our customers.
These new standards are set to impact how new systems are installed and maintained. Not being up to date on them can lead to serious consequences.
This article explains what is changing, how we are preparing, and why it matters to our customers.
What Changes Are Coming To The HVAC Industry?
New regulations mandate that all new residential HVAC systems use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 700 as part of a broader effort to reduce environmental impacts and enhance energy efficiency.
Major manufacturers, such as Daikin and Trane, will switch to new refrigerants—R32 and R454b, respectively. Both refrigerants have a significantly lower GWP compared to current refrigerants.
Key Details About These New Refrigerants
- Safety: These A2L refrigerants require substantial energy to ignite, making them safe under normal handling conditions. Sensors are included to detect leaks.
- Equipment Adjustments: New refrigerants require changes to line set requirements like smaller diameters and additional insulation for high-temperature environments like attics.
- Handling and Transportation: R32 can be topped off, but R454b, being a blended refrigerant, requires a full charge replacement if over 50% is lost. New cylinders will have pressure relief valves for safe transportation.
Training and Safety Measures at Millian Aire
Understanding the critical nature of these changes, Millian Aire AC & Heating has taken extensive steps to train our technicians on these new refrigerants well before they are released into the market. Proper handling and installation of these new systems are vital to avoid any potential issues. Technicians must be equipped to deal both with new units using the new refrigerants and older units that use different refrigerants.
Our technicians are undergoing rigorous training to ensure they can seamlessly transition to working with R32 and R454b.
The Consequences of Inadequate Training
Without proper training, the handling and installation of new refrigerants can lead to significant problems. Using the wrong refrigerant in an older system, such as accidentally charging an R410A system with R32 or R454b, can cause severe damage.
This is why:
- Chemical Incompatibility: Different chemical properties between refrigerants means using the wrong refrigerant can lead to chemical reactions that damage system components like the compressor and evaporator coils.
- Pressure Differences: R32 and R454b operate at different pressures compared to older refrigerants like R410A. Introducing a refrigerant with higher or lower pressure can cause the system to operate inefficiently or fail completely.
- Lubrication Issues: Using the wrong refrigerant can lead to lubrication failure, causing increased wear and tear on moving parts, eventually leading to mechanical failure.
- Performance Issues: A system designed for one type of refrigerant will not perform efficiently with another resulting in increased energy consumption and higher operational costs.
- Safety Risks: The new refrigerants, although mildly flammable, still require specific handling procedures. Incorrect handling can pose safety risks such as refrigerant leaks, which can be hazardous in confined spaces.
Millian Aire: Staying Ahead of the Competition
Investing in comprehensive training and staying informed about the latest industry developments ensures our customers receive the best possible service. We proactively equip our technicians with the knowledge and skills to adapt to the needs of a changing industry.
As we move towards the 2025 deadline, Millian Aire is dedicated to leading the way in adapting to new refrigerant standards. Our proactive approach in training and safety measures ensures that we continue to provide reliable, efficient, and safe services to our valued customers.
For more information or to schedule a service, contact Millian Aire AC & Heating today at (727) 233-5566. Stay cool and comfortable with the experts who are always a step ahead.
