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

Big changes are on the horizon 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 arriving in 2025. These new coolants are developed to be friendlier to the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and future services?

This change will minimize the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will employ a a different class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to investigate how these new refrigerants can influence your home's comfort.

Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For a long time, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its effectiveness. But studies revealed that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented an initiative 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 changes like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to follow suit. And just like then, this transition will influence how systems are constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians need to get ready for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the safest, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're designed to offer the same efficient cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is believed to be particularly effective due to its GWP being approximately 78% lower than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is technically more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system configurations 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, leading to big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This transition isn't only about replacing the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Eventually, every residence and business using R-410a will be required to switch to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Should I Consider in Order to Change to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Changing to the new refrigerants won't be as easy 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 them in a system that uses R-410a.  But rest assured—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time progresses, 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 manage things. If your AC system is currently getting old, this is the best time to think about upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating can help you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which HVAC Refrigerant Is in My Air Conditioner?

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

But if you can't read the label or don't have your user manual, remain calm! You can always call one of the professional technicians at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating to help you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the information you need by giving us a call at 800-296-5088.