A2L REFRIGERANT REQUIREMENT

What is A2L and what does it mean for YOU?

Fact: Not all residential air conditioning (A/C) systems are created equal.

In addition to varying degrees of size, capacity, and efficiency, older A/C units most likely use refrigerants deemed harmful to the environment. Refrigerants are chemical compounds that circulate within an air conditioner to absorb heat from inside your home and transfer it to the outside of your home.

On January 1, 2025, a new air conditioning refrigerant standard went into effect nationwide to support lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).

This means your older air conditioning system using environmentally harmful refrigerants, such as R22 and R410A, no longer meets new energy efficiency standards and is being phased out for new equipment. Newly manufactured air conditioning equipment must operate using an A2L refrigerant, like R32 or R454B, which is a classification for refrigerants that are less toxic than other options.

A/C repairs and replacements on older systems can still be performed as long as equipment and refrigerants are available.

What does this mean for Old Republic Home Protection customers?

ORHP is committed to providing the exceptional care and coverage our customers have come to expect. When R22 and R410A equipment supplies are no longer available, we’ll purchase R32 or R454B-compatible equipment. When switching to a new refrigerant, however, your entire system must be replaced, including the indoor air handler/furnace coil and outdoor condenser or package unit.

With 7.1 Series Plans or later, coverage applies as follows.

Important Note: Your A/C system is comprised of two main components or units: an air conditioning condenser and an air handler. Sometimes, your condenser is outside, and your air handler is inside your home (split system). Sometimes, both components are contained in the same package unit outside your home. See the images for examples of each.

Split System with One Failed A/C Unit

If one unit from your A/C system fails (indoor or outdoor), and both units must be replaced due to the refrigerant changes, ORHP will cover both the equipment replacement and labor costs of the failed unit. We will also cover the equipment cost of the working unit, but you may be responsible for any service, labor expense, or modifications associated with the installation of the new unit. Upgrading your home warranty plan could save you a considerable amount in not-covered costs. See the chart below for details.

Split System - both the Indoor/Outdoor Units Failed
Package Unit Failed

If both covered units have failed or it’s a package unit, coverage applies to all covered equipment, including labor.

Enhanced Coverage

With ORHP’s enhanced coverage plan levels, additional coverage, such as haul away, permits, code upgrades, or modifications, will be applied normally to both the failed equipment and equipment that has not failed. The cost of labor to replace working equipment is not covered.

Example: What if my condenser coil fails?

If the outdoor condenser coil fails due to normal wear and use on an R410A HVAC system, when it's replaced with an A2L-compliant unit, the existing indoor equipment—the air handler or evaporator coil—will not be compatible. This means the indoor equipment must also be replaced even if it is still working.

To replace the equipment, the service provider may need to pull permits, flush or replace the refrigerant lines, correct code violations, or modify the electrical and/or duct connections.

The chart below shows an example of items covered and not covered by 7.1 Series Plans by plan level and available upgrades. Verify your plan series on your Declaration of Coverage document.

Note: The above example is simplified and does not expound upon all situations or applicable plan limits. Normal coverage limits apply as outlined in the specific plan. This scenario applies only to plans purchased as part of a real estate transaction.

What if a condenser fails and the indoor unit must be changed due to SEER requirements?

If a condenser fails on a 9 SEER or lower unit, we will apply SEER coverage as outlined in the plan.

A/C repairs and replacements on older systems can still be performed as long as equipment and refrigerants are available.

As People Helping People, Old Republic Home Protection is committed to helping our customers navigate the new A2L refrigerant requirements together.

A2L refrigerant upgrades may apply to plans older than 7.1.

Terms and conditions apply. See your current state plan for complete pricing, coverage, and exclusion details. Charges for non-covered items may apply.