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

Significant changes are on the way 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 present HVAC system and any new services?

This shift will minimize the environmental footprint of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will use a a different 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 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 effectiveness. But research uncovered that R-410a still contributes to global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a strategy back in 2021. The industry will progressively phase out R-410a to replace it with refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.

The HVAC industry has implemented changes like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to adapt. And in the same way, this shift will impact how systems are engineered as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should get ready for these new refrigerants if they wish to keep experiencing the most reliable, most cost-effective cooling possible.

What Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants are categorized under the new "A2L" classification and encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're designed to offer the same effective cooling while significantly reducing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is believed to be particularly efficient due to its GWP being around 78% lower than R-410a. While R-454B refrigerant is actually more flammable than R-410a, enhancements to system configurations 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 replacing the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. In time, every residence 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?

Transitioning to the new refrigerants isn't as simple as swapping out the new coolants with what's used in your current 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 don't be concerned—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just remember that as time passes, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Preparing in advance is the optimal way to handle things. If your AC system is already nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the ideal time to contemplate switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the team here at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can assist you in making the transition with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which Refrigerant Is in My AC System?

Unsure which refrigerant your AC system uses? In general, you can easily learn this information by checking the label on your outdoor unit. This label indicates the type of refrigerant, the model number and various other details about your cooling system.

But if you have difficulty reading the label or are missing your user manual, remain calm! You can always connect with one of the expert technicians at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating to assist you in determining this information. Get all the information you need by reaching out at 314-262-4541.