ST. LOUIS - Emerson Climate Technologies surveyed contractors and distributors in an effort to gauge the industry’s readiness for the 2010 refrigerant changeover deadline.

According to the results, 100 percent of the respondents had knowledge of the 2010 refrigerant deadline, however, 40 percent said they would wait for the deadline to pass before they make any transitions. The survey pointed to the higher costs of R-410A systems as the primary reason for this delay in transition.

Other information gathered showed that 13 percent reported they are exclusively quoting R-410A, 69 percent reported that they currently quote both R-410A and R-22, and 11 percent are not offering R-410A at all.

“We’re encouraged to see such widespread awareness for the coming 2010 transition from the industry,” said Scott Barbour, president, Emerson Climate Technologies, Air Conditioning Division.

“However, the fact that 11 percent 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.”

The survey also found that more than one-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. Reportedly, 11 percent of those surveyed said their customers were already asking specifically for R-410A equipment.

Publication date: 12/17/2007