Chadwell Supply | R410A to A2L Questions Answered

The federally mandated shift away from R-410A refrigerant has begun. As of January 1, 2024, production was reduced by 40% for all HFC refrigerants, including R-410A. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your properties and maintenance teams are fully prepared for what happens next.

While this reduction is a phase down, not a phase out, the supply of R-410A and availability of related equipment will be significantly reduced. As this supply decreases, refrigerant and equipment costs will increase This change will have significant impacts on multifamily properties at every level of the organization Managers and support teams should review their properties now to determine

when and how they will replace their current equipment. New equipment and tools may need to be purchased. Maintenance teams will need training on how to safely handle and store the new refrigerant, and some technicians may need refreshers on how to safely recover and store legacy refrigerants. As costs continue to rise, refrigerant recovery will become increasingly important.

Whythisishappening

TheUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)hasenactednewregulationslimitingcertain refrigerants TheAIMActauthorizestheEPAtoreducetheproductionofhydrofluorocarbon(HFC) refrigerantsthathavehighGlobalWarmingPotential(GWP).Refrigerantsinthisphasedowninclude,but arenotlimitedto,R-410A(airconditioners,heatpumps,PTACs,mini-splits),R-134A(commercial refrigerators),andmanydrop-inreplacementsforR-22

Safe,reliablereplacements

WhenmanufacturersbeganlookingforthebestrefrigerantoptionstomeetthenewGWPstandard,A2Ls weretheclearchoice.OntheASHRAEscale,A2Lrefrigerantsareratedasflammablewithrelativelylow flamepotential.Whenhandledcorrectly,usingtheproperequipmentandtools,A2Lrefrigerantsaresafe andreliable

A2LshaveamuchlowerGWPrating,andtheyhavebeeninwidespreaduseinEurope,Asia,andAustralia formanyyears.Forexample,theA2Lrefrigerant,R-32,hasbeeninstalledinmorethan230million systemsinmorethan130countriesaroundtheworld

Important deadlines

Equipment that uses R-410A can no longer be manufactured or imported after December 31, 2024. The installation deadline for R-410A equipment is December 31, 2025. Many suppliers are currently well stocked, but this will not last, as manufacturers will begin re-tooling their factories well before the end of 2024. Every supplier will reach a “while supplies last” tipping point. Between now and then, the cost for 410A and related equipment will increase significantly.

How to prepare

Chadwell Supply is producing several resources to help multifamily MRO teams stay up to date. Read in-depth articles at “ChadwellSupply.com/pk-hvac” and join the ongoing conversation at The MRO Show,

GWP measures a refrigerant’s environmental impact as a greenhouse gas. The new limit for residential HVAC refrigerant is under 700 GWP. A2L refrigerants, which offer similar operating characteristics to legacy refrigerants, are below the 700 GWP threshold and more energy efficient than R-410A.

Transforming Maintenance Operations | How AppWork Enhances Efficiency, Satisfaction, and ROI in Multifamily Properties

Author: Dani Black, CRO AppWork

Effective maintenance management is crucial for both resident satisfaction and property performance. However, many property managers struggle with common challenges such as inefficient communication, slow response times, and inconsistent service quality These issues can lead to increased vacancy rates, lower resident retention, and a negative impact on a property’s bottom line AppWork, a leading maintenance management platform, addresses these challenges head-on by providing a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance communication, streamline operations, and improve overall financial performance.

The Communication Challenge in Maintenance Operations

One of the most significant hurdles in multifamily maintenance is communication Maintenance technicians often face difficulties when trying to reach residents Caller ID blocks, unanswered calls, and ignored voicemails are common issues that can slow down the service process and create frustration for both residents and technicians. This breakdown in communication can lead to delays in resolving maintenance issues, resulting in decreased resident satisfaction and potentially negative reviews. AppWork solves this problem by leveraging additional communication methods, particularly text messaging and email With AppWork, maintenance teams can bypass the traditional challenges of phone calls and voicemails by communicating directly with residents through text messages and emails This ensures that residents are always informed about the status of their work orders, from initial scheduling to completion The result is a more transparent, efficient, and satisfying experience for residents, who are kept in the loop every step of the way.

Streamlining Maintenance Operations for Greater Efficiency

Beyond communication, the efficiency of maintenance operations is a critical factor in a property's success Inefficient processes, such as poorly managed work orders or inadequate tracking of technician performance, can lead to extended response times, repeat visits, and ultimately, unhappy residents. AppWork addresses these issues by offering a user-friendly technician app that streamlines the entire maintenance process. Technicians using AppWork can easily access and update work orders, track their progress, and communicate with residents all from a single, intuitive interface This not only reduces the time spent on administrative tasks but also improves the accuracy and speed of maintenance work The platform’s seamless integration of communication and workflow management tools has led to a 20% reduction in work order completion times for properties that have adopted AppWork. This efficiency translates directly into higher resident satisfaction, as maintenance issues are resolved more quickly and with fewer disruptions.

Enhancing Accountability and Quality of Work

Another key feature of AppWork is its integrated ratings system, which plays a crucial role in improving the quality of maintenance services Technicians are rated on each work order they complete, with feedback provided by residents. This system incentivizes technicians to perform their work at the highest standards, knowing that their efforts are being evaluated and recorded.