New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Major Changes Are Coming for HVAC Coolants.

Significant changes are on the way 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 revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and any new services?

This transition will reduce the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will use 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 opportune time to explore how these new refrigerants can impact 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 it worked so well. But research uncovered that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a strategy back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are better for the environment.

The HVAC industry has undergone shifts like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, homeowners like you had to adjust. And in the same way, this transition will affect how systems are engineered as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians must get ready for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying the most reliable, most economical cooling possible.

New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're designed to offer the same effective cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be especially useful due to its GWP being around 78% lower than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system manufacturing and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. Additionally, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are considerably more energy efficient, leading to big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't simply about swapping out the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Ultimately, every home and business using R-410a will be required to switch to one of the new systems.

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

Transitioning to the new refrigerants will not be as easy as replacing what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the unique 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 don't be concerned—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just be aware that as time goes on, the price of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Anticipating the changes is the optimal way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the ideal time to think about investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at HCE Systems can help you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

Uncertain 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 various other details 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 call one of the expert technicians at HCE Systems to help you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the info you need by contacting us at 276-302-0076.