Understanding the Shift to A2L Refrigerants: What You Need to Know

September 13, 2024February 13, 2026Leave a comment

At Experts Heating and Cooling, we are committed to staying at the forefront of HVAC technology and environmental responsibility. One of the significant changes in the industry is the transition to A2L refrigerants. In this blog post, we’ll explore what A2L refrigerants are, why the shift is happening, and what it means for you as a valued customer.

What Are A2L Refrigerants?

A2L refrigerants are a new class of refrigerants that are being introduced to replace older, high-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants. The term “A2L” refers to a classification set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The “A” indicates that the refrigerant is classified as having low toxicity, and the “2L” denotes that it has a lower flammability compared to other refrigerants.

A2L refrigerants, such as R-32, are part of a global movement to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems. They are designed to be more environmentally friendly while still providing excellent cooling and heating performance.

Why Are We Making the Shift to A2L Refrigerants?

The shift to A2L refrigerants is driven by several important factors:

Environmental Responsibility: Traditional refrigerants, such as R-22 and R-410A, have high global warming potentials. This means they contribute significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere. A2L refrigerants have a much lower GWP, making them a more eco-friendly choice that helps reduce our carbon footprint.
Regulatory Changes: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations to curb greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase out high-GWP refrigerants. By transitioning to A2L refrigerants, we align with these regulations and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Efficiency and Performance: A2L refrigerants offer improved energy efficiency compared to older refrigerants. This means that HVAC systems using A2L refrigerants can provide the same or better performance while consuming less energy, which can lead to lower utility bills for you.
Long-Term Viability: As older refrigerants are phased out, maintaining systems that use these substances becomes more challenging and costly. Transitioning to A2L refrigerants ensures that your HVAC system remains up-to-date with industry standards and is supported by available parts and service.

What Does This Mean for You?

As we make the transition to A2L refrigerants, here’s what you can expect:

Upgraded Systems: If you’re considering a new HVAC system or an upgrade, it may come equipped with A2L refrigerants. Rest assured that these systems are designed to deliver high performance while being more environmentally friendly.
Future-Proofing: By adopting A2L refrigerants now, you’re investing in a more sustainable and future-proof solution. This transition helps ensure that your HVAC system remains compliant with evolving regulations and continues to operate efficiently.
Continued Excellence: At Experts Heating and Cooling, our commitment to providing exceptional service remains unwavering. We will ensure that your transition to A2L refrigerants is smooth and that you benefit from the latest advancements in HVAC technology.

Wood Stove Replacement Program

January 18, 2020February 13, 2026Leave a comment

We are proudly partnered and accepting rebate vouchers from the Southwest Clean Air Agency for the wood stove replacement program.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA), in conjunction with the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE), is offering financial incentives in amounts ranging from $350 to $6000 for homeowners within the Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) of Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Yacolt, Chehalis and Centralia who wish to replace or remove an old wood stove or wood-burning fireplace insert which is installed in the home and does not meet the current emission limits set by the State of Washington (Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 173-433-100).

The program is composed of two (2) options:

Wood stove replacement
Wood stove cash buyback

Simply visit swcleanair.org to learn more about this wood stove replacement or removal rebate program to see if you qualify.

The program is active at this time and will expire on June 30, 2021, or when grant funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Information provided by Experts Heating and Cooling, Inc. and swcleanair.org

Going Ductless PUD Rebates

November 2, 2019February 13, 20261 Comment

Why Install a Ductless Heat Pump?

Save energy and money while heating your home during the winter months.
Make your home more comfortable.
Systems come standard with air conditioning—no more window units!

Learn more about the ductless heat pumps by visiting Going Ductless

Current Clark Public Utilities rebates and information

Ductless Heat Pump Rebates

Effective January 1, 2020

$800 rebate for the installation of a single or multi-head system (9.0 or greater HSPF)
$100 rebate for ductless heat pump replacement (11.0 or greater HSPF)

To Qualify for Your Rebate: You must be the homeowner and your home must have cable ceiling heat, baseboard heat, an electric furnace or wall heaters permanently installed.

Current Skamania PUD rebates and information

Ductless Heat Pump Rebates

Existing Site Built or Manufactured Homes Ductless Heat Pump (one per residence) $800 Existing zonal heat (baseboard, ceiling cable, wall, electric hydronic)
Existing Site Built or Manufactured Homes Ductless Heat Pump (one per residence) $1,000 Existing forced air electric

HOMEOWNER ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for incentive payment, the home must have permanently installed electric resistance heat as the primary heating system. Qualifying applications are Single Family & Manufactured Homes with zonal electric heat, Single Family and Manufactured Homes with electric forced air furnaces. A qualifying home cannot be a new construction site built home. A qualifying existing site built or existing manufactured home cannot have an existing Air Source Heat Pump, Geothermal Heat Pump, existing Ductless Heat Pump or Natural Gas Furnace to qualify for the rebate.

SYSTEM ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for incentive payment, ductless heat pumps installed must be: a split system heat pump employing an inverter-driven, variable speed compressor, a variable speed outdoor fan, and a multi-speed or variable speed indoor blower. The system must meet a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) requirement of 9.0 for single head systems and 8.2 for multi-head systems. Additionally, indoor units using any type of field installed duct system are NOT eligible.