Major changes are coming for the heating and cooling industry! Cooling systems shifting 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 more beneficial to the environment and meet new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and future services?
This transition will decrease the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will utilize a a different class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're thinking about getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to investigate how these changes can influence 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 of its efficiency. But research revealed that R-410a still negatively impacts global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a strategy back in 2021. The industry will progressively phase out R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.
The HVAC industry has undergone transitions like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to follow suit. And in the same way, this transition will influence how systems are engineered as well as the recommended procedures for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians need to get ready for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the safest, most energy-efficient cooling possible.
What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?
The coming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to deliver the same powerful cooling while greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.
R-454B refrigerant is expected to be especially effective due to its GWP being about 78% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is technically more flammable than R-410a, improvements to system designs and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. Additionally, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are much more energy efficient, contributing to big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance.
This change isn't just about swapping out the refrigerant—it impacts 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 need to upgrade to one of the new systems.
R-410a Replacement: How Can I Prepare to Transition to New HVAC Refrigerants?
Transitioning to the new refrigerants isn't as easy as substituting what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the distinct properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible. But don't be concerned—you can still use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time progresses, the price of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes scarcer.
Preparing in advance is the most effective way to stay on top of things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the ideal time to contemplate investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Connolly Electric & Mechanical can help you in making the transition with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.
What HVAC Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?
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 are unable to decipher the label or don't have your user manual, don't worry! You can always call one of the skilled technicians at Connolly Electric & Mechanical to assist you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the info you need by giving us a call at 928-251-4327.
