Big changes are on the way for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems shifting 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 revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and any new services?

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

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

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

The HVAC industry has made transitions like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, homeowners like you had to follow suit. And similarly, this shift will influence how systems are engineered as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians must prepare for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the most secure, most economical cooling possible.

New HVAC Refrigerants 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 deliver the same effective 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 around 78% lower than R-410a. While 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, modern cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are significantly more energy efficient, leading to big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.

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

R-410a Replacement: What Should I Consider in Order to Make the Shift 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 different properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible.  But don't worry—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just remember that as time goes on, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Planning ahead is the most effective way to handle things. If your AC system is already getting old, this is the ideal time to consider investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can help you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What HVAC Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?

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

But if you have difficulty reading the label or can't find your user manual, remain calm! You can always connect with one of the professional technicians at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating to assist you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the info you need by reaching out at 641-628-3621.