New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Significant Changes Are Coming for HVAC Coolants.

Significant changes are coming for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems shifting from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be better for the environment and satisfy updated regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your present HVAC system and future services?

This shift will decrease the environmental impact 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 investigate how these changes can influence your home's comfort.

Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For a long time, R-410a was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its efficiency. But research uncovered that R-410a still contributes to global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a plan back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has implemented shifts like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this change will impact 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 want to keep experiencing the most reliable, most cost-effective cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The upcoming refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to provide the same effective cooling while greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is believed to be especially useful due to its GWP being around 78% lower than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is technically more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system configurations and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are much more energy efficient, resulting in considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't just about swapping out 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 upgrade to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Do I Need to Do to Transition to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Transitioning to the new refrigerants will not be as straightforward as swapping out the new coolants with what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the distinct properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible.  But rest assured—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time progresses, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Preparing in advance is the most effective way to manage things. If your AC system is currently getting old, this is the perfect time to think about switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the staff here at D & R Heating & Air can support you with upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which HVAC Refrigerant Is in My Air Conditioner?

Uncertain which refrigerant your AC system employs? In general, you can easily learn this information by inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label shows the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other details about your cooling system.

But if you can't read the label or can't find your user manual, don't worry! You can always call one of the skilled technicians at D & R Heating & Air to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the details you need by giving us a call at 503-678-2517.