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

Major changes are coming for the heating and cooling industry! Cooling systems transitioning from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be arriving in 2025. These new coolants are designed to be friendlier to the environment and satisfy revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your existing HVAC system and upcoming services?

This change will minimize the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will employ new class of refrigerants that more closely match 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 Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For years, R-410a was the preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But studies 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 gradually discontinue R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are better for the environment.

The HVAC industry has undergone changes like this before. When the industry moved away from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, homeowners like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this change will influence how systems are constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should prepare for these new refrigerants if they wish to continue enjoying the most secure, most economical cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're engineered to offer the same powerful cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is anticipated to be particularly effective due to its GWP being about 78% less than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is technically more flammable than R-410a, updates to system designs and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. Additionally, modern cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are considerably more energy efficient, leading to substantial 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 components of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. In time, 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 Switch to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Switching to the new refrigerants will not be as simple as substituting what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the different 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 continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time progresses, the price of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes harder to find.

Anticipating the changes is the most effective way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is already aging, this is the ideal time to think about investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can support you with making the transition with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

What Type of Cooling Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?

Not sure which refrigerant your AC system employs? In general, you can easily find this information by checking the label on your outdoor unit. This label indicates the type of refrigerant, the model number and many other details about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or are missing your user manual, don't worry! You can always call one of the skilled technicians at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning to help you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the information you need by giving us a call at 949-204-0859.