Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine May 2025 Issue

HVACR NewsMagazine May 2025

State National Chapter News

or just the part needing to be replaced. Reminds you of having an older vehicle being totaled and the insurance only offering the book value even though it was in remarkable shape with few miles. We know how the insurance deal goes. How will be 410A system still under warranty be resolved? Here is the bottom line as we see it: 1. 410A systems can be repaired with components in perpetuity as far as the EPA is concerned. 2. Manufacturers will only supply 410A components as long as it is economically feasible. If we are right, that is your customer’s future and your future. Both futures are linked and you have to make your decision based on what you think is fair for your homeowner and profitable for you. Maybe you should make the change to A2L systems even if you wanted to avoid the early adoption problems. Yes, there are early adoption problems already. A2L systems come charged for a line set of 15 feet. What do you do if the line set is longer. Sounds like an easy fix? Oh contrair. If you use 454B, with a blend of ~68.9% R-32 & 31.1% R-1234yf, how will you charge for the extra line set. Our sources say 454B is in short supply. Some say they will not get significant supplies till June (they hope). Some think they can add R-32 and, who knows, maybe they can; but, do they know? Option says you can top off a R-454B system with 454B even though it is a blend. They don’t say you can indiscriminately add R-32. This quote from Opteon is on their “ Chill Zone Minute: Toppng Off R-454B ” with Don Gillis found at http://www.opteon.com/en/support/tra ining

The silver lining is the supply chain will eventually catch up.

The Supply Chain Will Eventually Catch Up

Until then, there are few easy choices. Excuse the grammar; but, his AIN’T your first monkey show. You’ve made it through more than most trades have even had nightmares about. You can do it again. Actually, you don’t have a choice. You just have to stop worrying, adopt a company policy, and be honest and transparent about that policy; i.e., “ I am positive what the future is and I am positive that this is the way my company will handle it. ”

If Using A2L — •

If you can, put the condenser and evaporator within 15 feet of each other until R-454B is available.

If Using 410A — •

Stock components and refrigerant. • Be transparent with your homeowner about the future issues of warranty service.