Significant changes are on the way for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems transitioning from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be friendlier to the environment and satisfy new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your present HVAC system and upcoming services?

This shift will decrease the environmental effect of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will use an alternative class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to learn more about how these changes can affect your home's comfort.

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

For years, R-410a was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its efficiency. But studies showed that R-410a still contributes to global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a strategy back in 2021. The industry will gradually phase out R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has made shifts like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to adjust. And in the same way, this transition will impact how systems are constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the most secure, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants fall under the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're designed to offer the same efficient 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 around 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. Additionally, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are significantly more energy efficient, resulting in considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This switch isn't simply about replacing the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the properties of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Ultimately, every residence and business using R-410a will need to upgrade to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Do I Need to Do to Make the Shift to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Transitioning to the new refrigerants won't be as easy as substituting 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 don't be concerned—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind 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 manage things. If your AC system is already aging, this is the best time to think about switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Luikart Heating & Cooling can assist you in switching 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 learn this information by checking the label on your outdoor unit. This label indicates the type of refrigerant, the model number and numerous other details about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or can't find your user manual, don't stress! You can always call one of the skilled technicians at Luikart Heating & Cooling to help you in figuring it out. Get all the details you need by giving us a call at 740-344-5497.