EPA COMPLIANCE

At Bryant Heating and Air Conditioning LLC, We are committed to providing services that are in compliance with provisions of the Clean Air Act and EPA 608. Here is a brief history of recent rulings by the Environmental Protection Agency:

• 2010: In unilateral agreement with member countries, the United States EPA began the moratorium and eventual phase out of  HCFC refrigerants. This included the ever popular HCFC-22 (R-22 or Freon). At that time manufacturers could no longer produce new equipment with HCFC refrigerants domestically and halted the import of such equipment. The industry turned to a new blend of refrigerants called HFC's which brought forth HFC-410a or R-410a, all residential equipment installed after 2010 was manufactured with HFC-410a refrigerant.

• 2018: The EPA announced new leak rate protocols for comfort cooling equipment from 15% leakage per year to 10% over the lifetime of the equipment based on the manufacturers original refrigerant charge.

• January 1, 2020: The phase out of HCFC refrigerants was completed rendering HCFC refrigerants and equipment obsolete.

• January 1, 2023: A new era of phase downs began with the eventual phase out of HFC refrigerants. This phase down is to be done in percentages and is scheduled to be complete by 2039. The EPA also announced a new class of refrigerants called A2L which will be phased into the industry as HFC refrigerants are phased down. Production of newly manufactured equipment (both foreign and domestic) will cease as of December 31, 2024.

• January 1, 2025: All equipment manufactured domestically and imported shall be include the new A2L refrigerants. A2L refrigerants are characterized by mild flammability, low toxicity, and low global warming potential (GWP). 

Our Commitment to the upcoming changes have led to some very difficult decisions. They are as follows:

• HCFC-22 (R-22): When it comes to equipment charged with HCFC-22 (R-22), Bryant Heating and Air Conditioning LLC will no longer be servicing this type of equipment with the only exception being mechanical failures. If a low refrigerant charge is determined our only recommendation will be system replacement.

• HFC-410a (R-410a): We will continue to service this equipment until the cost outweighs the benefits.

• A2L Refrigerants: As regulations change, so will our commitment. Moving forward past January 1st, 2025 we will be observing all new regulations pertaining to the installation, service and use of this new refrigerant. This will most likely result in increased cost to the end user. With this being said please keep this in mind. Due to the design of the new A2L compliant equipment, the current procedure called "retrofit" will change. Any furnace or air handler that does not contain a "Constant Torque" or "Variable Speed" blower motor WILL BE REPLACED to remain compliant in maintaining designed efficiency ratings and manufacture warranty of new comfort cooling equipment.

Thank-you in advance for your understanding in this ever-changing matter. Though regulations change, our commitment to you still remains. Remember, It's Better when It's Just Right with Bryant Heating and Air Conditioning - Your local Factory Authorized Trane Dealer!