Major changes are on the way for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems transitioning 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 friendlier to the environment and meet new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and upcoming services?
This shift will reduce the environmental effect of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will employ new class of refrigerants that more closely match with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to learn more about how these new refrigerants can influence your home's comfort.
Why Are They Phasing Out R-410a for New HVAC Refrigerant?
For a long time, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its efficiency. But research showed that R-410a still contributes to global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a plan back in 2021. The industry will progressively eliminate R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.
The HVAC industry has made changes like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to adapt. And in the same way, this shift will influence how systems are designed as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians need to prepare for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the safest, most energy-efficient cooling possible.
New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?
The coming refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're engineered to offer the same powerful cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.
R-454B refrigerant is expected to be especially effective due to its GWP being around 78% less than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system designs and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. Additionally, today's 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 switch isn't only 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 residence and business using R-410a will need to switch to one of the new systems.
R-410a Replacement: What Do I Need to Do to Make the Shift to New HVAC Refrigerants?
Changing to the new refrigerants won't be as straightforward as swapping out the new coolants with what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the distinct properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible. But don't be concerned—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time passes, the price of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes less available.
Planning ahead is the optimal way to manage things. If your AC system is currently nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the best time to contemplate investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Air-Right Energy Design 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 employs? In general, you can easily find this information by inspecting the label on your outdoor unit. This label indicates the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other specifications about your cooling system.
But if you are unable to decipher the label or are missing your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the professional technicians at Air-Right Energy Design to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the information you need by contacting us at 703-260-1148.
