Important 2025 Update for Homeowners:
Freon® R-410A Phaseout
Hey, Texas homeowners! The Freon® R-410A phaseout is here, and our team at DTC Air Conditioning and Heating wants to keep you in the loop. Questions have been pouring in from our customers in Georgetown and surrounding areas, and there is plenty of misinformation on the web. Allow us to definitively answer your questions about the R-410A phaseout.
Why should I care about the R-410A phaseout?
Great question – after all, if your air conditioner is working, you may not give this issue a second thought. But here’s why you should pay attention: if your air conditioner uses R-410A refrigerant, future repairs will start to get more expensive.
Here’s why: as of January 1, 2025, the U.S. EPA has officially banned the import and production of R-410A refrigerant. R-410A, which is commonly known as Freon®, can cause damage to the earth’s ozone layer when it leaks into the atmosphere.
With no more Freon® R-410A being produced, the only refrigerant available to repair equipment is the amount currently stockpiled by contractors. HVAC technicians can also use recycled R-410A. Still, there is only so much to go around. With the stockpile of Freon R-410A already depleting, the cost of repairs that require the chemical will rise.
You can read more about the EPA’s complete phaseout plan on its website.
How can I check which Freon® my unit uses?
The refrigerant in your system isn’t a mystery. Actually, the information is printed right on the unit. It will take less than two minutes to check.
Simply head outside to the air conditioner that serves your home. The unit should have a label that includes information like brand, model number, and safety certifications. Somewhere on the chart should be an indicator of refrigerant type.
Here’s a tip: if you find that the label is difficult to read, snap a photo with your smartphone!
In Georgetown and surrounding areas, there are just two types of refrigerants that are typically used with residential A/Cs:
- R22 – Also known as R-22 for much older systems (last manufactured in 2010)
- R410A – Typically in newer systems (last manufacture date will be 12/31/24)
If you see either printed on the side of your unit, keep reading. The phaseout will impact your future cooling service and repairs!
What to do if my AC uses older types of Freon?
We’ll get straight to the point: if your air conditioner uses either of these old Freon coolants, now is the time to start saving up towards a new A/C.
But wait! Are there other options?
Yes – you can certainly put off replacing your unit. But let’s state the facts:
FACT: The R410A manufacturing will be banned on 1/1/25.
FACT: The median life expectancy of a residential air conditioner unit is 15 years per ASHRAE
FACT: Whatever amount of 410A exists in the U.S. as of 1/1/2025 is what is left for service and repair.
So, if you have a system that uses R-410A, we know that it is aging and will require more repairs as it gets older. And because of the laws of supply and demand, you can expect that any repairs your system needs requiring a refrigerant charge will become significantly more expensive.
Looking for the most inexpensive solution?
We get it. Money is tight. The last thing anyone wants to spend their hard-earned funds on an air conditioner.
You can opt to do nothing. You can choose to ride it out and wait until your air conditioner bites the dust. In this case, we strongly recommend investing in annual maintenance. Our team will come out once a year to check on your system and identify any potential problems. This way, you’re not stuck on a hot and sticky Texas day with no A/C. Instead, you will have tackled the issue before it becomes the reason for a breakdown.
You can start saving and researching new air conditioners. Since your air conditioner is still operating, it’s a great time to shop around for a new air conditioner. Most homeowners make the decision on a new A/C when their current unit is broken. That’s a lot of pressure! You have some breathing room to explore different system types and wait for specials like HVAC rebates to pop up. If you have concerns about affordability, keep in mind that financing is available.
DTC Air Conditioning and Heating is your Expert in Freon Coolants
Contact DTC Heating & Air Conditioning if you have any questions about the Freon phaseout. As experts in HVAC service, repair, and installation, we are very familiar with the coolant. We can visit your home in Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock, or surrounding areas today. One of our helpful technicians will evaluate your system and provide a professional opinion on your best option.
