Major changes are coming 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 comply with new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your present HVAC system and any new services?
This change will minimize the environmental effect of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will use an alternative class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to learn more about how these new refrigerants can influence your home's comfort.
Why Are They Phasing Out R-410a for New HVAC Refrigerant?
For a long time, R-410a was the preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But studies uncovered that R-410a still contributes to global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a strategy back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.
The HVAC industry has implemented transitions like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to adjust. And similarly, this transition will affect how systems are constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they want to keep experiencing the most reliable, most energy-efficient cooling possible.
New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?
The coming refrigerants fall under the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're engineered to offer 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% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is actually more flammable than R-410a, updates to system designs and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, today's cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are much more energy efficient, leading to substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.
This transition isn't only about swapping out the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Ultimately, every residence and business using R-410a will have to switch 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 won't be as straightforward as swapping out the new coolants with 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 still use your current R-410a system for now. Just remember that as time passes, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes less available.
Anticipating the changes is the optimal way to handle things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the ideal time to think about upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Refrigeration Systems Ltd. can support you with making the transition with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.
What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?
Not sure which refrigerant your AC system employs? In general, you can easily locate this information by checking the label on your outdoor unit. This label indicates the type of refrigerant, the model number and numerous other particulars about your cooling system.
But if you are unable to decipher the label or don't have your user manual, remain calm! You can always connect with one of the expert technicians at Refrigeration Systems Ltd. to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the information you need by reaching out at 778-693-2532.