New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Big Changes Are on the Horizon for HVAC Coolants.

Major 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 coming in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be more beneficial to the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and future services?

This transition will minimize the environmental effect of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will use new class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to explore how these new refrigerants can influence your home's comfort.

Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For years, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its effectiveness. But analysis showed that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a plan back in 2021. The industry will steadily phase out R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has made changes like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, homeowners like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this shift will impact how systems are constructed as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should prepare for these new refrigerants if they want to continue enjoying the most secure, most economical cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The upcoming refrigerants fall under the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're created to deliver the same efficient cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be particularly useful due to its GWP being approximately 78% less than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, updates to system manufacturing and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. Additionally, today's cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are significantly more energy efficient, contributing to substantial 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 properties of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Eventually, every home and business using R-410a will be required to transition to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Should I Consider in Order to Make the Shift to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Transitioning to the new refrigerants will not be as easy as substituting what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the unique properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible.  But don't be concerned—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time progresses, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Preparing in advance is the best way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is already nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the ideal time to think about switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the staff here at Air Service Co. can support you with switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

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

But if you can't read the label or are missing your user manual, remain calm! You can always call one of the professional technicians at Air Service Co. to assist you in determining this information. Get all the info you need by reaching out at 918-212-8943.