New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Big Changes Are on the Horizon for HVAC Coolants.

Big 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 satisfy new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and upcoming services?

This shift will reduce the environmental footprint 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 thinking about 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 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 it worked so well. But studies showed that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a strategy back in 2021. The industry will steadily phase out R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has undergone transitions like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this change will influence how systems are constructed as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians need to get ready for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying the safest, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

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

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

This change isn't only about replacing the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the characteristics of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Ultimately, every household and business using R-410a will have to transition 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 will not be as straightforward as swapping out the new coolants with 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 rest assured—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time passes, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Anticipating the changes is the optimal way to manage things. If your AC system is currently nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the perfect time to consider upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Retro HVAC Service & Installation can support you with upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which Refrigerant Is in My AC System?

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

But if you can't read the label or don't have your user manual, don't stress! You can always call one of the skilled technicians at Retro HVAC Service & Installation to assist you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the info you need by contacting us at 267-277-3851.