Quote:
Originally Posted by ithos
Since R410A is being phased out to save the world, are you familiar enough to make recommendations to a homeowner whose HVAC needs to be replaced. Try and get another 410A system if they can find one?
And what modifications will be needed to make the transition to the next generationof refrigerants? I understand they are mildly flammable. Will the linesets have to be replaced?
This is what I found:
Lineset Is In Good Condition
No kinks, corrosion, or wear. Old or damaged copper tubing can leak with mildly flammable refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B.
Proper Flushing or Replacement of Oil and Residue
R-410A uses POE oil, while R-454B and R-32 may use different blends. The line must be thoroughly flushed with approved cleaning agents to remove any old oil or contaminants. Some manufacturers require triple evacuation and filter drier installation.
Manufacturer Approval
Some OEMs (Carrier, Lennox, Trane, etc.) may allow reuse of R-410A linesets with specific procedures. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guide.
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So, R-454B is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf just as R410A is a blend of R-32 and R-125. Both R-454B, R-32 and R410A are mildly flamable. What mildly flamable means is if there is a leak and you hold a flame at the leak it will ignite but when the flame is removed the ignition will stop. So, unless you are holding a match around your HVAC equipment that's leaking badly there is nothing to worry about. And if there is a leak it's not going to blow your house up because there is not enough freon in your HVAC to do that. R-32 has been used overseas for over a decade so it's what they call "battle hardened". R-454B has been extensively tested so no one expects any surprises.
As far as getting a old unit that used R410A, I don't think anyone is allowed to sell that after January 1, 2025 so it's probably not an option. Although the newer R-454B and R-32 systems are about 5% more expensive than the R410A systems they are slightly more efficient so the added expense may be a wash when you consider the energy savings.
I just purchased a new Carrier Infinity system that uses R-454B and they are replacing the line set. From what I understand, that's not an option. Given copper doesn't last forever I would think replacing the lineset is something you want to do otherwise you might have a leak down the line with reusing the old line set.
There is a lot of misinformation out there on the new freon used in the new HVAC equipment creating a lot of fear so, it's best to do more research on the subject to get the facts not believe the media.
At the end of the day freon has been changed for decades over and over so this time is no different and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it.