Major 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 friendlier to the environment and comply with revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and upcoming services?

This transition will reduce the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will utilize an alternative class of refrigerants that more closely match with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to explore 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 standard refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its efficiency. But studies showed that R-410a still affects global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented 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 transitions like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this change will impact how systems are engineered as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians need to prepare for these new refrigerants if they want to keep experiencing the safest, 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 engineered to offer the same powerful cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is believed to be especially effective due to its GWP being approximately 78% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, updates to system configurations and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, today's cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are considerably more energy efficient, leading to substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't just about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the characteristics of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. In time, every home and business using R-410a will need to upgrade to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: How Can I Prepare to Make the Shift to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Switching to the new refrigerants will not be as straightforward as substituting what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the distinct properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible.  But rest assured—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time progresses, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Preparing in advance is the most effective way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is already getting old, this is the ideal time to think about upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Integrity AC & Heating LLC can assist you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which Refrigerant Is in My AC System?

Not sure which refrigerant your AC system uses? In general, you can easily find this information by inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label shows the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other specifications about your cooling system.

But if you are unable to decipher the label or don't have your user manual, don't worry! You can always call one of the expert technicians at Integrity AC & Heating LLC to help you in figuring it out. Get all the details you need by contacting us at 602-971-0567.