New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Major Changes Are on the Horizon for HVAC Coolants.

Big changes are on the way 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 arriving in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be more beneficial to the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and any new services?

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

Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For years, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But studies uncovered 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 steadily discontinue 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, property owners like you had to adapt. And similarly, this transition will impact how systems are constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians must prepare for these new refrigerants if they want to continue enjoying the most reliable, most economical cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're engineered to deliver the same powerful cooling while greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is anticipated to be especially useful due to its GWP being about 78% lower than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is actually more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system manufacturing and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, today's cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are significantly more energy efficient, contributing to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.

This transition isn't simply about swapping out the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. In time, every residence and business using R-410a will need to switch to one of the new systems.

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

Changing to the new refrigerants won't be as straightforward as substituting what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the different properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible.  But rest assured—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just remember that as time progresses, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Planning ahead is the optimal way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the ideal time to contemplate switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help you in making the transition with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

Uncertain which refrigerant your AC system utilizes? In general, you can easily learn this information by inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label shows the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other details about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or don't have your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the skilled technicians at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to assist you in determining this information. Get all the details you need by contacting us at 251-471-2674.