New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Significant Changes Will Go into Effect 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 coming in 2025. These new coolants are developed to be more beneficial to the environment and meet revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your present HVAC system and any new services?

This transition will minimize the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will use new class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to explore how these updates can impact your home's comfort.

Why Are They Phasing Out R-410a for New HVAC Refrigerant?

For years, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But analysis showed that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a strategy back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are better for the environment.

The HVAC industry has implemented changes 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 just like then, this transition will affect how systems are constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians must prepare for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the safest, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is 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 designed to deliver 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 about 78% less than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, enhancements 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 much more energy efficient, leading to substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't simply about changing the refrigerant—it impacts 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 be required to switch to one of the new systems.

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

Transitioning to the new refrigerants isn't as easy as substituting what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the different 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 worry—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time goes on, the price of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Planning ahead is the optimal 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 contemplate upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Perfect Air & Water Services can assist you in making the transition with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What HVAC Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?

Uncertain which refrigerant your AC system utilizes? In general, you can easily find this information by examining the label on your outdoor unit. This label shows the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other particulars 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 connect with one of the expert technicians at Perfect Air & Water Services to help you in determining this information. Get all the info you need by reaching out at 848-217-4183.