New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Major Changes Will Go into Effect for HVAC Coolants.

Major changes are on the way for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems moving from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are designed to be more beneficial to the environment and comply with new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and future services?

This transition will minimize the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will use a a different class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the opportune time to explore how these new refrigerants can influence your home's comfort.

Why Is R-410a Refrigerant Being Phased Out by New Regulations?

For a long time, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its effectiveness. But studies uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a plan back in 2021. The industry will progressively phase out R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has made changes like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to adjust. And in the same way, this shift will influence how systems are constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the most secure, most economical cooling possible.

What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to offer the same efficient cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be especially effective due to its GWP being about 78% less than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is actually more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system configurations and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. Additionally, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are considerably more energy efficient, leading to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This transition isn't simply about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Ultimately, every home and business using R-410a will need to switch to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: How Can I Prepare to Transition to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Switching to the new refrigerants won't be as simple as substituting what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the distinct properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant mean you can't use the new refrigerants in a system designed to use R-410a.  But don't be concerned—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time progresses, the price of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Planning ahead is the most effective way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently getting old, this is the best time to consider upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Anderson Heating & A/C can assist you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which HVAC Refrigerant Is in My Air Conditioner?

Unsure which refrigerant your AC system utilizes? In general, you can easily learn this information by checking the label on your outdoor unit. This label indicates the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other particulars about your cooling system.

But if you are unable to decipher the label or are missing your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the skilled technicians at Anderson Heating & A/C to help you in figuring it out. Get all the info you need by giving us a call at 775-854-9700.