In late January 2026, Virginia experienced an unusually severe storm. The region was hit by heavy snow, followed by sleet and freezing rain, and then a prolonged deep freeze. This rare combination formed a rock-hard, ice-bonded layer officials called "snowcrete," which behaved much like solid ice or concrete. Only recently has that icy mess melted away.
Personal
Experiences During the Storm
Two noteworthy events occurred during the storm. First, I
welcomed a local stray cat into my garage. By placing the old cat’s RSID tag on
her collar, mu husband and I taught her how to use the cat door. She quickly adapted, and by
the time the storm arrived, she was settled with a heated bed, food, and water.
Her presence was a pleasant distraction during the days spent snowed in.
Second, several neighbors experienced heat pump failures,
and one dealt with a burst water pipe. Not only do utilities have to worry about maintaining their infrastructure, but individuals do, too. These incidents made me consider whether
I should proactively replace my 2012 heat pump, even though it is still
operational, rather than risk an emergency replacement during extreme weather.
For the past week, I have weighed the pros and cons of replacing my Carrier
Infinity system in spring 2026.
Considerations
for Replacement
Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of
2020, the HVAC industry is transitioning away from high Global Warming
Potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons like R-410A in my existing system, moving
toward more eco-friendly refrigerants. Signed into law in 2020 by President
Trump during his first administration, the AIM Act remains in effect unless
repealed by Congress, and despite some proposed deadline delays, the shift is
ongoing. In 2026, the industry standard is the adoption of A2L refrigerants
like R-454B or R-32, which are slightly "flammable."
Safety
and Flammability of R-454B
R-454B is classified as A2L (mildly flammable), meaning it
is difficult to ignite and has a very low burning velocity. Ignition requires a
high concentration and a consistent, open flame, making it less risky than
propane tanks or gas stoves, though it is more hazardous than previous
refrigerants.
Modern heat pumps now feature a Refrigerant Detection System
(RDS). If a leak occurs, the system automatically activates the blower fan to
disperse the gas, preventing it from reaching flammable concentrations, and
then shuts down. In the rare event of a fire, R-454B tends to burn slowly and
often self-extinguishes.
Newer heat pump units have more complex electronics and
controllers, increasing the potential for component failures. Therefore, a
comprehensive parts and labor warranty from a reliable manufacturer is
essential; though I have never bought an extend warranty before. Transitioning
to a new system means moving away from a known entity into something less
familiar.
My 2012 heat pump has reached its statistical life
expectancy. By upgrading now, I can avoid an emergency replacement where
inventory may be limited, or I might have to endure days without heating or
cooling during extreme weather. In 2012, I spent several weeks without air
conditioning upstairs during a heat wave.
Pros
of Proactive Replacement
Pros of Proactive Replacement
- Avoid
Emergency Stress and Costs: The primary benefit is complete
control over the process. You can research models, get multiple quotes,
schedule the installation at your convenience, and avoid the panic,
limited choices, and premium pricing of an emergency summer failure
replacement.
- Future-Proofing
with New Technology:
- Regulatory
Compliance: I would transition from a soon-to-be
"legacy" R-410A system to a modern R-454B system that complies
with all 2026 EPA regulations, ensuring easy servicing and affordable
refrigerant supply for the next 15+ years.
- Superior
Efficiency: Myr 2012 unit was 19 SEER under the old testing
standards. New models (like the 21 SEER2 Carrier Infinity models I am
considering) are rated under “real life conditions” and utilize improved
thermodynamics and variable-speed technology, likely reducing your
operating costs by close to 10%.
- Better
Warranty Coverage: New equipment comes with full manufacturer
warranties on parts and compressors for 10 years and lets be honest
systems tend to be problem free in the first 8 years or so. My 2012 system
is past its original warranty, and the pump is not operating as
efficiently as it once was. Also, because of all the electronics, factory distributors
are offering 10 year labor warranties at what appears to be reasonable
prices.
- Access
to Financial Incentives: New, high-efficiency heat pumps often
qualify for substantial federal tax credits (potentially up to $2,000 via
the Inflation Reduction Act) and local utility rebates, however, none of
those incentives are available to me.
Cons
of Proactive Replacement
- Upfront
Financial Cost:
The main drawback is the immediate expense of a new premium system—a
significant investment that might not be necessary for another year or two
if the current unit continues to function.
- "Wasted
Life" Concern:
Replacing the current heat pump early means not maximizing every hour of
usage from the original investment, as it still has some useful life
remaining.
- Potential
for New System "Bugs": While A2L technology has been thoroughly tested, any
new installation carries a small risk of initial issues or manufacturing
defects, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, the increased complexity
of controllers complicates the systems further making failure of a controller
a consideration.
- Learning
Curve: The
new smart Infinity controls and A2L safety features require a slight
learning curve for both the user and the installer. It is important to
ensure the installer is a factory-authorized dealer with experience
installing these units.
Conclusion
The bottom line is I’m old and not going to get any younger.
Making this as easy as possible is valuable to me. Replacing a heat pump is
always highly inconvenient and will require repair and repainting of the
ceiling in my closet because the attic stairs have to be removed to fit the
unit through to the attic where the air handler goes. In addition, the new electronic
thermostat and control is not the same size as the old one and will require the
repair and repainting of that wall. So, this will be a big dusty mess, a call
to the handy man for repair and painting. This is never going to get easier. Nonetheless,
I have come to the conclusion that seeking peace of mind and long-term
efficiency gains, the pros of avoiding an emergency replacement in the peak of
summer typically outweigh the cons of replacing a perfectly functional (but
aging) unit. So, I’ll get a couple of bids and move forward with replacement
this spring.
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