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

Major 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 arriving in 2025. These new coolants are developed 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 employ an alternative class of refrigerants that more closely match with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the opportune time to investigate how these changes 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 preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But analysis showed that R-410a still contributes to global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a plan back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has made shifts like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this transition will affect how systems are designed as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians need to plan for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the safest, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to provide the same powerful cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is believed to be particularly effective due to its GWP being about 78% lower than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is technically 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 much more energy efficient, leading to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you stay on top of routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't only about changing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the properties of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Ultimately, every home and business using R-410a will need to switch to one of the new systems.

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

Transitioning to the new refrigerants won't be as straightforward as replacing what's used in your current 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 keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just be aware that as time passes, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Planning ahead is the optimal way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the ideal time to consider investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Knoechel Heating can assist you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

Unsure 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 numerous other specifications 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 professional technicians at Knoechel Heating to help you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the information you need by contacting us at 724-425-5852.