• Contractors Not 'Walking the Walk' on R410 Conversions

    Nov. 1, 2007
    Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson today announced results from the company’s most recent contractor and distributor survey. Surprisingly 100% of those surveyed said they are aware of the 2010 phase-out of new R-22 equipment. However, only 13% reported that they are exclusively quoting R-410A, 69% reported that they currently quote both R-410A and R-22, and 11 percent are not even offering R-410A.

    Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson today announced results from the company’s most recent contractor and distributor survey. Surprisingly 100% of those surveyed said they are aware of the 2010 phase-out of new R-22 equipment. However, only 13% reported that they are exclusively quoting R-410A, 69% reported that they currently quote both R-410A and R-22, and 11 percent are not even offering R-410A. One of the most dramatic points from the survey results shows that 40 percent admitted that they will wait until 2010 to convert their sales to R-410A equipment. The survey results also point to higher costs for R-410A systems as the primary reason.
    “We’re encouraged to see such widespread awareness for the coming 2010 transition from the industry. However, the fact that 11% reported they aren’t currently selling or installing R-410A equipment at all tells us there is a lot of work to do to make sure that we, as an industry, are ready,” says Scott Barbour, president, Emerson Climate Technologies Air Conditioning Division.
    There were positive findings as well. More than half of the contractors reported that their technicians and staff were trained to support R-410A and the vast majority stated that they could easily find R-410A equipment. Also, 11% of those surveyed said their customers were already asking specifically for R-410A equipment.
    Emerson Climate Technologies is surveying HVAC contractors and distributors to gauge their preparedness for the 2010 phase-out of all new equipment designed for use with HCFC refrigerants, including R-22. The 2010 phase-out marks a major undertaking for the HVAC industry. The number of products that will need to be changed over from HCFC to HFC refrigerants represents a significant challenge. Emerson Climate Technologies manufactures broad product offerings of both R-22 and R-410A compressors and related HVAC components.
    For more information on R-410A readiness, including Emerson technical white papers, contractor checklists and more, visit EmersonClimate.com/refrigerant