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

Big changes are on the horizon for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems moving from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are developed to be better for the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and upcoming services?

This transition will decrease the environmental effect of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will employ an alternative class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to learn more about how these changes can influence your home's comfort.

Why Are They Phasing Out R-410a for New HVAC Refrigerant?

For years, R-410a was the go-to refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But analysis showed that R-410a still contributes to global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a plan back in 2021. The industry will steadily eliminate R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

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

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The upcoming refrigerants fall under the new "A2L" classification and encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're engineered to offer the same effective cooling while greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is believed to be especially efficient due to its GWP being approximately 78% less than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, updates to system designs and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, modern cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are much more energy efficient, resulting in substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.

This change isn't only about changing 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 upgrade to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: What Should I Consider in Order to Make the Shift to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Switching to the new refrigerants won't be as straightforward as substituting 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 keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time passes, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Anticipating the changes is the optimal way to handle things. If your AC system is already aging, this is the perfect time to think about investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the staff here at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling 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 utilizes? In general, you can easily learn this information by checking the label on your outdoor unit. This label displays the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other particulars about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or are missing your user manual, don't worry! You can always connect with one of the expert technicians at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling to help you in determining this information. Get all the information you need by giving us a call at 515-278-2900.