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

Significant changes are coming 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 coming in 2025. These new coolants are designed to be better for the environment and satisfy revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and upcoming services?

This shift will minimize the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will utilize an alternative class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to explore how these updates can affect your home's comfort.

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

For years, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But studies revealed that R-410a still affects global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted an initiative back in 2021. The industry will gradually eliminate R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has made shifts like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, homeowners like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this shift will influence how systems are designed 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 secure, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is 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 deliver the same effective 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, updates 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 much more energy efficient, leading to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't simply about swapping out 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 household 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 isn't as straightforward 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 continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time passes, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Preparing in advance is the best way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the perfect time to contemplate upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Controlled Comfort HVAC can assist you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which Refrigerant Is in My AC System?

Uncertain which refrigerant your AC system employs? 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 many other specifications 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 expert technicians at Controlled Comfort HVAC to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the info you need by contacting us at 224-412-8308.