New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Big Changes Are Coming for HVAC Coolants.

Major changes are on the way for the heating and cooling industry! 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 satisfy revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and any new services?

This shift will minimize the environmental footprint 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 thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the opportune time to explore how these updates can affect 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 of its effectiveness. But studies uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a strategy back in 2021. The industry will steadily phase out R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has made changes like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to adapt. And just like then, this shift will impact 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 want to continue enjoying the most secure, most cost-effective cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The new batch of refrigerants are categorized 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 greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be especially useful due to its GWP being around 78% lower than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is technically more flammable than R-410a, improvements 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 considerably more energy efficient, resulting in substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't simply about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the characteristics of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Ultimately, every home and business using R-410a will have to transition to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Should I Consider in Order to Change 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 distinct 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 expense of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Planning ahead is the most effective 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 think about investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning can help you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

Uncertain which refrigerant your AC system employs? 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 various other specifications 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 skilled technicians at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the information you need by contacting us at 630-313-2509.