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 implemented in 2025. These new coolants are developed to be more beneficial to the environment and meet revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and upcoming services?
This transition will decrease the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Beginning in 2025, new AC systems will employ a a different class of refrigerants that better align with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to investigate how these updates can influence your home's comfort.
Why Are They Phasing Out R-410a for New HVAC Refrigerant?
For years, R-410a was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its effectiveness. But analysis showed that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established an initiative back in 2021. The industry will progressively eliminate R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are better for the environment.
The HVAC industry has made changes like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to adapt. And just like then, this shift will impact how systems are engineered as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians should prepare for these new refrigerants if they want to continue enjoying the most reliable, most energy-efficient cooling possible.
What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?
The new batch of refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're engineered to provide the same effective cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.
R-454B refrigerant is anticipated to be particularly useful due to its GWP being about 78% lower than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, improvements 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 significantly more energy efficient, contributing to substantial savings on energy bills over time, especially if you stay on top of routine HVAC maintenance.
This change isn't just about substituting 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 home and business using R-410a will be required to switch to one of the new systems.
R-410a Replacement: How Can I Prepare to Transition to New HVAC Refrigerants?
Changing to the new refrigerants will not be as easy as replacing what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the distinct 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 keep in mind that as time progresses, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes scarcer.
Anticipating the changes is the optimal way to handle things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the perfect time to contemplate upgrading to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Clean Air HVAC can help 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 are unable to decipher the label or can't find your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the skilled technicians at Clean Air HVAC to assist you in determining this information. Get all the information you need by contacting us at 925-233-6238.
