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

This change will reduce the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will employ a a different class of refrigerants that more closely match with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to explore how these updates can affect your home's comfort.

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

For years, R-410a was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But research showed that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented an initiative back in 2021. The industry will gradually phase out R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has undergone changes like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to follow suit. And similarly, this change will impact how systems are designed as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians must plan for these new refrigerants if they want to keep experiencing the safest, most economical cooling possible.

New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?

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

R-454B refrigerant is anticipated to be particularly useful due to its GWP being around 78% lower than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is technically more flammable than R-410a, enhancements to system designs 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, leading to substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you stay on top of routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't just about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Eventually, every household and business using R-410a will need 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?

Switching to the new refrigerants will not be as straightforward as replacing what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the unique properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant mean you can't use them in a system that uses R-410a.  But rest assured—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just remember that as time progresses, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Anticipating the changes is the most effective way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the ideal time to consider upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at AC Sales can assist you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which Refrigerant Is in My AC System?

Not sure which refrigerant your AC system employs? In general, you can easily learn this information by inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label displays the type of refrigerant, the model number and various other particulars about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or don't have your user manual, remain calm! You can always connect with one of the expert technicians at AC Sales to assist you in determining this information. Get all the information you need by giving us a call at (337) 234-2345.