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

Significant changes are coming for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems transitioning from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be arriving in 2025. These new coolants are designed to be more beneficial to the environment and satisfy updated regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and upcoming services?

This transition will minimize the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will use an alternative class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the opportune 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 preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But studies revealed that R-410a still affects global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted an initiative back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are better for the environment.

The HVAC industry has implemented shifts like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this shift will impact how systems are engineered as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying the most secure, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants fall under the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to provide the same powerful cooling while substantially decreasing 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 actually more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system designs 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 big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This transition isn't just about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the characteristics of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. In time, every residence and business using R-410a will be required to transition to one of the new systems.

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

Changing to the new refrigerants won't be as easy 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 make existing R-410a systems incompatible.  But don't worry—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time goes on, the price of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes less available.

Anticipating the changes is the optimal way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is already aging, 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 H&C Heating and Cooling can support you with upgrading 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 locate this information by inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label indicates the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other details about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or can't find your user manual, don't stress! You can always call one of the professional technicians at H&C Heating and Cooling to help you in determining this information. Get all the details you need by contacting us at 301-960-3247.