A2L
What is A2L and why should I care?
A2L is an HVAC refrigerant with similar characteristics to legacy refrigerants but is safer to use than ammonia and hydrocarbon refrigerants. It is more energy efficient than R-410A and replaces HFC and HCFC refrigerants. A2L refrigerants are cost-effective and less toxic, so they are safer for handling and more stable for storage and transport. They are also eco friendly, given that they can reduce global warming potential (GWP) levels by up to 90 percent.
By 2030 
, traditional HFC and HCFC refrigerants will no longer be available.
What is the difference between A2L, A2, and A3 refrigerants?
A2L refrigerants, such as R32, R-454B, and R-1234yf, are in a category of refrigerants that have lower toxicity than class A refrigerants and lower flammability than L refrigerants. A2L-classified refrigerants such as R32, R-454B, and R-1234yf have lower flammability than A2 and lower toxicity. A2L refrigerants need more energy to ignite than most A3-class flammable refrigerants. R141B and R-406A are examples of A2 refrigerants.
A2 refrigerants, such as R141B and R-406A, are flammable, with a lower toxicity relative to B2 classified refrigerants, like R-30 and R-40 (see: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2007 ).
A3 refrigerants have a higher flammability factor than A2 refrigerants. Examples of A3 include R290 (propane), R600 (butane), R600a (isobutane), or a blend of these gases.
What does global warming potential (GWP) have to do with my HVAC system?
GWP is a measure of how destructive a climate pollutant is, which is relevant to refrigerants. GWP is the total contribution to global warming from one unit of a gas compared to one unit of carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a value of 1. Some refrigerants, like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have much higher GWPs than CO2, making them more harmful to the environment when released. Commonly used HFC refrigerants have GWP factors that are thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide.
Can A2L be added to my existing HVAC system?
No, it is not safe to mix A2L with existing system refrigerants or swap them out. To take advantage of A2L refrigerants, you will need a new HVAC system.
How safe are A2L refrigerants?
It is more difficult to ignite A2L refrigerants and sustain a flame with A2L refrigerants than highly flammable refrigerants like HFCs. A2L refrigerants are the second-safest refrigerant category.
How efficient are A2L refrigerants?
A2L refrigerants are up to 12 percent more efficient than comparable R-410A systems.
How often is A2L used in HVAC systems around the world?
A2L has been used in cars since 2017; more than 80 percent of new vehicles sold in the US today have an A2L refrigerant. To date, more than 230 million air conditioners in more than 130 countries using A2L refrigerants have been installed around the world.
What does A2L mean for equipment design?
A2L-supportive systems should be designed to detect, isolate, and disperse A2L refrigerant leaks, using a combination of tools and controls with integrated leak sensors, isolation or safety shut-off valves, ventilation and/or circulation fans, electronic controls, and other focused considerations. When a home or property owner works with a Johnstone Supply HVAC professional, they can be assured of getting accurate guidance on any equipment needs.
Are there different “flavors” or proprietary blends of A2L refrigerants?
There are no proprietary blends; however, some examples of A2L refrigerants include: R1234yf, R1234ze, R454C, R455A, R454A, and R454B.
Systems
Why choose a mini-split system?
A ductless system, also called a mini-split or a ductless heat pump, is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that does not require any ductwork. These systems deliver control over your interior climate needs with versatility, quick installation (vs. ducted systems), and greater safety than portable electric heaters. Given their size and portability, they are quicker to install than traditional whole home ducted systems. As a result of their design, they allow management of each individual room. Choosing a mini-split system vs. a ducted system depends on your climate needs, your home's structure, and whether you have an existing system with ductwork.
Find a pro
What is the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump?
To cool your home's interior, an air conditioner removes heat and humidity from indoor air and sends it outside, while a heat pump is a part of the HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home. Heat pumps use refrigerant to absorb, transport, and release heat, and they can reverse the flow of that refrigerant with a valve (which an air conditioner cannot do), depending on whether heating or cooling is needed. Heat pumps are powered by electricity vs. fossil fuels. To decrease or maintain the carbon footprint, heat pumps are best used in moderate climates.
Find a pro
Is an upgrade from PSC to ECM worth it?
Standard permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors operate only at one or two speeds. They are not economical, which means you have higher energy bills as well as draft and noise from the unit. The solution is to replace these motors with electronically commutated motors (ECMs) that keep the system running continuously but at lower electrical consumption for lower energy bills. ECMs improve air flow for reduced draft and increase indoor air quality (IAQ), without noise. Upgrade factors to consider include the years left on the system and how important IAQ is to you. If the blower is used only for heating and cooling cycles or if the system only has a few years left on it, you might not get a great return on a $500 to $1,500 investment. However, if comfortable room temperature, better indoor air quality, and 80% efficiency are important to you, an upgrade would be worth it. If your system has eight or more years of life left, the savings in energy bills could pay for the upgrade.
Find a pro
What financing options are available for my new HVAC system?
Looking for financial assistance for your new system? FTL Finance provides consumer financing solutions based on your individual project needs and financial situation, not just your credit score.
Installation
How does insulation help HVAC?
According to ENERGY STAR, 20 to 30% of air from the duct system is lost because of leaks and holes. Even more, ducting that's either uninsulated or running through unconditioned spaces can lose up to 32% of its effectiveness. This means your system has to work harder to deliver comfort. However, insulation can significantly reduce heat loss in ducts. For example, a 100-degree basement temperature with a 70-degree supply air temperature can result in a 55-degree temperature difference, causing substantial heat loss from the uninsulated duct into the basement. Insulation can typically reduce energy losses by 90% and help ensure proper steam pressure for plant equipment.
Maintenance
Why bother cleaning my coils?
Your HVAC system uses a series of coils to heat and cool your home. One of those coils is located outside your home and is called the condenser coil. With an outside location, it can get dirty with dust and debris. A dirty condenser coil can reduce its capacity by more than 30% and increase its energy usage by more than 37%. For example, a three-ton system with a dirty condenser coil is like running a two-ton system, which costs a lot more in energy. The coil inside your home is called the evaporator coil. It absorbs the heat inside your home and also can get dirty, which hinders your HVAC system's performance. That means higher energy bills. Depending on your home's humidity, effects from pollution and pollen, and how dusty your home is, you may need to clean your evaporator coil as well. A best practice is to clean your coils at least annually for optimal HVAC maintenance.
Indoor Air Quality
What should you know about IAQ?
Maintaining IAQ is a balancing act between numerous factors. Air quality is important to your health, quality of life, and even home performance, in terms of efficiency. You cannot escape the air in your home; you are breathing whatever is in it every day. Some of the factors that can impact your IAQ include temperature, toxic gases, particles, humidity, odors and smells, mold, dust, and ventilation. Many homeowners do not realize the benefits of optimizing the air in a home, but it is one of the best investments you can make for the health of the people who live there as well as the home itself.
Find a proAccessories
What are the benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat?
The thermostat is the primary touchpoint for most homeowners' HVAC systems. Many homeowners are switching to smart thermostats for an integrated home environment. With a touch of a button on their smartphone, homeowners can control their HVAC systems whether they are home or not. Smart thermostats offer many fantastic benefits for homeowners such as energy efficiency, money savings, greater control over their HVAC systems, sustainability and environmental considerations, and comfort. There are eco functions that limit system operations based on time of day, sensors that factor direct sunlight on the thermostat for running the system, and snapshot reports on energy consumption. The benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat are numerous, and it is simple to install, with the help of a technician.
Find a pro
What is surge protection for HVAC and why get it?
About 25 million lightning strikes hit the United States each year. If one of these strikes your home, it can do extensive damage to vital electrical components. When lightning hits a power line, a spike of over 100,000 volts can occur and burn through wiring insulation and cause fires—even modest spikes can destroy a wide variety of electronic devices. In the US, the national average cost of an HVAC system is $8,000 but can range anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the brand, size, and features. The HVAC system is often the most expensive electrical device in a home, and power surges can damage or destroy your HVAC system. Adding surge protection to your HVAC system is a wise investment.
