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

Big 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 friendlier to the environment and comply with revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your present HVAC system and any new services?

This transition will minimize the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will utilize new class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to investigate how these updates can affect your home's comfort.

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

For a long time, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its efficiency. But research uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a plan back in 2021. The industry will steadily discontinue R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has implemented changes 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 designed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians should get ready for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the most reliable, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The new batch of refrigerants fall under the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're created to offer the same effective cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is believed to be particularly efficient due to its GWP being about 78% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is actually more flammable than R-410a, improvements 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, resulting in substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you stay on top of routine HVAC maintenance.

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

R-410a Replacement: What Do I Need to Do to Transition to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Transitioning to the new refrigerants isn't as straightforward as swapping out the new coolants with 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 them in a system that uses R-410a.  But don't worry—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just be aware that as time progresses, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Anticipating the changes is the best way to manage things. If your AC system is already aging, this is the best time to consider investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at GLR Mechanical can assist you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What HVAC Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?

Unsure which refrigerant your AC system uses? In general, you can easily find this information by checking 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 have difficulty reading the label or are missing your user manual, don't worry! You can always call one of the skilled technicians at GLR Mechanical to assist you in determining this information. Get all the info you need by giving us a call at 570-309-0403.