Significant changes are on the way for the heating and cooling industry! Cooling systems moving 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 comply with revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and upcoming services?

This shift will decrease the environmental effect of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will employ an alternative class of refrigerants that more closely match with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to explore how these updates can affect your home's comfort.

Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For a long time, R-410a was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its effectiveness. But research showed that R-410a still contributes to global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a strategy back in 2021. The industry will gradually eliminate R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are better for the environment.

The HVAC industry has made transitions like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to adjust. And in the same way, this change will influence how systems are engineered as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the safest, most economical cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The new batch of refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're designed to deliver the same efficient cooling while greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is anticipated to be particularly useful due to its GWP being approximately 78% lower than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is actually more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system manufacturing and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are much more energy efficient, contributing to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't only about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the characteristics of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. In time, every home and business using R-410a will be required to upgrade to one of the new systems.

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

Changing to the new refrigerants will not be as easy as replacing what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the distinct properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant mean you can't use them in a system that uses R-410a.  But don't worry—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time goes on, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Planning ahead is the most effective way to handle things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the best time to think about upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the staff here at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can assist you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

Not sure 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 specifications about your cooling system.

But if you are unable to decipher the label or can't find your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the professional technicians at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc to assist you in determining this information. Get all the details you need by reaching out at 602-789-3315.