New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Big Changes Will Go into Effect for HVAC Coolants.

Big changes are on the way for the heating and cooling business! 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 engineered to be more beneficial to the environment and meet revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and future services?

This change will decrease the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will utilize an alternative class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the opportune time to learn more about how these changes can affect your home's comfort.

Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For a long time, R-410a was the preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its efficiency. But studies revealed that R-410a still affects global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a strategy back in 2021. The industry will steadily phase out R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more eco-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 adapt. And in the same way, this shift will impact how systems are engineered as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians must plan for these new refrigerants if they want to continue enjoying the most secure, most economical cooling possible.

What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to deliver the same effective cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

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

This transition isn't just about substituting the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. In time, every household and business using R-410a will be required 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 will not be as straightforward 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 the new refrigerants in a system designed to use R-410a.  But don't be concerned—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time progresses, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes less available.

Planning ahead is the best way to handle things. If your AC system is already aging, this is the best time to contemplate switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning can assist you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

Uncertain which refrigerant your AC system uses? In general, you can easily locate this information by inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label displays the type of refrigerant, the model number and various other details about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or don't have your user manual, don't worry! You can always connect with one of the skilled technicians at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning to help you in figuring it out. Get all the info you need by contacting us at 952-373-0377.