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

Major changes are on the horizon for the heating and cooling industry! 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 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 shift will reduce the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will employ a a different class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to learn more about 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 preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But analysis showed that R-410a still affects global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a strategy back in 2021. The industry will progressively phase out R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has made transitions like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, homeowners like you had to adapt. And similarly, this shift will impact how systems are engineered as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they want to continue enjoying the safest, most economical cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

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

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be particularly effective due to its GWP being around 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, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are considerably more energy efficient, contributing to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't just about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Eventually, every household and business using R-410a will have to switch to one of the new systems.

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

Switching to the new refrigerants isn't as simple 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 mean you can't use the new refrigerants in a system designed to use R-410a.  But don't be concerned—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time passes, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Anticipating the changes is the best way to manage things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the best time to think about upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What HVAC Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?

Uncertain which refrigerant your AC system uses? 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 various other details about your cooling system.

But if you can't read the label or can't find your user manual, don't stress! You can always call one of the expert technicians at AW Heating & Air Conditioning to help you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the information you need by contacting us at 402-438-7992.