Understand 2018 HVAC Industry Changes

Every new year brings new HVAC industry changes. This year, the biggest changes coming will improve the safety and efficiency of the air conditioners that keep us cool in Lorain’s warm, humid summers.

Greater Care in Refrigerant Handling

The process of phasing out environmentally harmful air conditioner refrigerants has been underway for decades. This year, the process continues as regulations for refrigerant handling are strengthened. As of January 2018, only reclaimers or technicians who have earned the EPA Section 608 Certification will be allowed to buy ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), as well as safer hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), such as R-410A.

Previously, anyone could buy hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. Although HFCs are free from ozone-depleting chlorine and considered a more environmentally friendly substitute for HCFCs and CFCs, they’re still powerful greenhouse gases.

This change emphasizes the environmental risks refrigerant leaks pose and why it’s important to have your air conditioner or heat pump professionally inspected every year to minimize leak risks. What’s more, you’ll no longer be able to buy HFCs if you’ve been thinking you can attempt to recharge a leaky A/C yourself.

Higher Efficiencies for Rooftop A/Cs

Also affected by this year’s HVAC industry changes are rooftop air conditioners and rooftop heat pumps used on low-rise commercial and public buildings such as shopping centers, office buildings, and schools. The Department of Energy (DOE) has stipulated that, as of January 2018, new commercial rooftop units must be 10 percent more efficient than those made previously. Come 2023, these units must be 25 to 30 percent more efficient than they are currently.

If you’re the owner or manager of a commercial building and planning on investing in a new A/C soon, you can look forward to higher efficiency models that will save you money on cooling. If your existing air conditioner is 10 or more years old, start planning for a replacement now.

To find out more about how the recent HVAC industry changes affect you, talk with us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning in the Lorain area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about the HVAC industry and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959. 

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