New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Significant Changes Are Coming for HVAC Coolants.

Big changes are on the way 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 implemented in 2025. These new coolants are designed to be friendlier to the environment and satisfy new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your present HVAC system and any new services?

This change will decrease the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will utilize new class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the opportune time to explore how these changes 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 of its effectiveness. But analysis showed that R-410a still contributes to global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented an initiative back in 2021. The industry will progressively eliminate R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are better for the environment.

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 adjust. And similarly, this change will influence how systems are engineered as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians must plan for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying the most secure, most cost-effective cooling possible.

New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?

The upcoming refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're designed to deliver the same powerful cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is anticipated to be especially useful due to its GWP being about 78% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, enhancements to system configurations 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, resulting in considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.

This transition isn't simply about swapping out the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the properties of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Eventually, every household and business using R-410a will need to transition to one of the new systems.

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

Changing to the new refrigerants won't be as simple as swapping out the new coolants with what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the unique 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 rest assured—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time progresses, the price of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Anticipating the changes is the most effective way to manage things. If your AC system is currently getting old, this is the best time to think about upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at TopTec can assist you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which Refrigerant Is in My AC System?

Not sure which refrigerant your AC system employs? In general, you can easily learn this information by examining the label on your outdoor unit. This label shows the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other particulars about your cooling system.

But if you can't read the label or don't have your user manual, don't worry! You can always connect with one of the skilled technicians at TopTec to assist you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the info you need by contacting us at 847-362-0262.