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

This transition will reduce the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will employ an alternative class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the opportune time to explore how these updates can influence your home's comfort.

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

For a long time, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But studies uncovered that R-410a still contributes to global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a strategy 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 undergone transitions like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to adapt. And similarly, this shift will affect how systems are designed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should prepare for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying the safest, most economical cooling possible.

What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

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

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be particularly useful due to its GWP being around 78% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is actually 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, resulting in big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't just about changing the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Ultimately, every home and business using R-410a will have to upgrade to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Do I Need to Do to Transition to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Transitioning to the new refrigerants will not be as easy as replacing what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the different 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 keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just remember that as time passes, the price of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Anticipating the changes is the best way to handle things. If your AC system is currently nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the perfect time to consider upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which Refrigerant Is in My AC System?

Unsure which refrigerant your AC system employs? In general, you can easily learn this information by checking the label on your outdoor unit. This label displays the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other specifications about your cooling system.

But if you can't read the label or are missing your user manual, don't worry! You can always call one of the skilled technicians at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to help you in figuring it out. Get all the information you need by giving us a call at 877-389-2465.