New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Major Changes Will Go into Effect for HVAC Coolants.

Significant changes are coming for the heating and cooling industry! 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 developed to be better for the environment and satisfy new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and future services?

This change will minimize the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will employ an alternative class of refrigerants that more closely match with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to investigate 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 studies uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented an initiative back in 2021. The industry will gradually phase out R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has implemented 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 change will affect how systems are constructed as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should prepare for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying 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 developed to provide the same efficient cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be particularly efficient due to its GWP being about 78% lower than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is technically more flammable than R-410a, updates to system manufacturing and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are significantly more energy efficient, leading to big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't only about replacing the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the properties of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Eventually, every household and business using R-410a will have to upgrade to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Do I Need to Do to Make the Shift to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Transitioning to the new refrigerants won't be as straightforward as swapping out the new coolants with 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 worry—you can still 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 go up as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Preparing in advance is the optimal way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the perfect time to consider investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Precision Mechanical 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 inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label displays the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other specifications about your cooling system.

But if you can't read the label or can't find your user manual, remain calm! You can always connect with one of the expert technicians at Precision Mechanical to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the info you need by contacting us at 605-206-3766.