R32 vs 410A refrigerant
Existing units in the home need to be checked for refrigerant type before submitting to Con Edison. This rule is non-negotiable.
The rule
Section titled “The rule”410A units must be replaced. R32 units can stay. This applies to any existing AC unit in the home, regardless of whether it’s working or how recently it was installed.
Why this matters
Section titled “Why this matters”Con Edison no longer accepts 410A units as part of a decommissioning submission. Even if the unit is functioning perfectly and the homeowner wants to keep it, it must be replaced for the job to qualify.
How to identify
Section titled “How to identify”Check the nameplate on the bottom of the unit. It will say either:
- R32 — keep
- 410A — replace
Conversation with the homeowner
Section titled “Conversation with the homeowner”The homeowner often pushes back on replacing a working unit. The honest framing:
- You don’t lose the old unit. They can sell it to anyone they want.
- Sunny doesn’t buy used units. Everything we install is brand new.
- Without replacement, the rebate doesn’t happen. That’s the trade-off.
R32 unit recently added
Section titled “R32 unit recently added”If the homeowner installed an R32 unit recently — even just weeks ago — and the nameplate says R32, you can register that unit with Con Edison and continue using it. No need to replace.
What’s covered when something goes wrong
Section titled “What’s covered when something goes wrong”Homeowners frequently ask, “What happens if the refrigerant leaks in 5 years? Am I on the hook?” The answer is solid — and it’s a strong selling point:
| Coverage | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Palmetto lease (12 years) | Bumper-to-bumper service for the entire term — refrigerant top-offs, leak fixes, full unit replacement if needed |
| Manufacturer warranty | 10 years on Gree and Midea (units, including refrigerant components) |
| Sunny workmanship warranty | 1 year on the install itself |
Real lifespan is typically longer than warranty. Mini splits are built to last 15–20 years with normal maintenance — the warranty is the floor, not the ceiling. Tell the homeowner this. It calms a lot of “what if it breaks” anxiety.
Pitfalls
Section titled “Pitfalls”Skipping the nameplate check. If you assume an existing unit is fine and submit the job, Con Edison can bounce it back. Always verify the refrigerant type at the survey.
Promising the homeowner they can keep their old unit before checking. Don’t commit to leaving any existing unit in place until you’ve read the nameplate.