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

This transition will minimize the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will use a a different class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to learn more about how these updates can affect 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 of its efficiency. But research uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a strategy back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has implemented shifts like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, homeowners like you had to adapt. And just like then, this change will influence how systems are constructed as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians must get ready for these new refrigerants if they want to continue enjoying the most reliable, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The new batch of refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're engineered to deliver the same powerful cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be particularly effective due to its GWP being approximately 78% lower than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, enhancements to system configurations and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, modern cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are significantly more energy efficient, resulting in substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you stay on top of routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't simply about substituting the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the properties of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Ultimately, every household and business using R-410a will have to switch to one of the new systems.

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

Switching to the new refrigerants won't be as easy 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 mean you can't use the new refrigerants in a system designed to use R-410a.  But rest assured—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time passes, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes less available.

Anticipating the changes is the optimal way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is already aging, this is the perfect time to contemplate upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Mechanical Air Systems Co can help you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which HVAC Refrigerant Is in My Air Conditioner?

Not sure which refrigerant your AC system utilizes? In general, you can easily learn this information by examining the label on your outdoor unit. This label displays the type of refrigerant, the model number and various other particulars about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or are missing your user manual, don't stress! You can always call one of the professional technicians at Mechanical Air Systems Co to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the information you need by contacting us at 641-243-4654.