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

Significant changes are on the horizon 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 implemented in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be more beneficial to the environment and comply with updated regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and any new services?

This change will minimize the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will utilize a a different class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to investigate how these updates can affect your home's comfort.

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

For a long time, R-410a was the preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its efficiency. But analysis revealed that R-410a still contributes to global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a plan back in 2021. The industry will progressively phase out R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has implemented shifts like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to follow suit. And similarly, this shift will influence how systems are constructed as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians should 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 encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to provide the same powerful cooling while greatly lowering 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% less than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system designs and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are considerably more energy efficient, contributing to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you stay on top of routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't just about swapping out the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Eventually, every household and business using R-410a will have to upgrade to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: How Can I Prepare to Transition to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Switching to the new refrigerants will not be as simple as replacing 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 don't be concerned—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just be aware that as time goes on, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes less available.

Planning ahead is the optimal way to manage things. If your AC system is already nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the ideal time to think about switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Vogts Heating & Air can help you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which HVAC Refrigerant Is in My Air Conditioner?

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

But if you are unable to decipher the label or are missing your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the expert technicians at Vogts Heating & Air to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the details you need by giving us a call at 208-621-0129.