Major changes are coming 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 meet revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and future services?
This transition will reduce the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will utilize new class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the ideal time to learn more about how these new refrigerants can affect your home's comfort.
Why Is R-410a Refrigerant Being Phased Out by New Regulations?
For years, R-410a was the preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But studies uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a plan back in 2021. The industry will steadily phase out R-410a to replace it with 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 similarly, this change will impact how systems are engineered as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both residents and HVAC technicians need to get ready for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying the most reliable, most energy-efficient cooling possible.
New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?
The upcoming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're designed to offer the same effective cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.
R-454B refrigerant is expected to be particularly useful due to its GWP being about 78% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is technically 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 much more energy efficient, contributing to substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.
This change isn't just about changing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the properties of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Eventually, every home and business using R-410a will be required to transition to one of the new systems.
R-410a Replacement: What Do I Need to Do to Change to New HVAC Refrigerants?
Changing to the new refrigerants won't be as easy as swapping out the new coolants with what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the different properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible. 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 less available.
Preparing in advance is the optimal way to manage things. If your AC system is currently nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the best time to contemplate upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the staff here at Point Heating & Cooling can support you with upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.
What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?
Not sure which refrigerant your AC system utilizes? In general, you can easily find this information by examining the label on your outdoor unit. This label displays the type of refrigerant, the model number and numerous 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 Point Heating & Cooling to help you in determining this information. Get all the info you need by contacting us at 715-504-0533.