New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: Big Changes Are Coming for HVAC Coolants.

Big changes are on the horizon 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 arriving in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be friendlier to the environment and satisfy new regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and any new services?

This shift will reduce the environmental effect of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will employ new class of refrigerants that are more compatible with climate goals. If you're contemplating getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to investigate how these updates can influence your home's comfort.

Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?

For a long time, R-410a was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioners because it worked so well. But research uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a strategy back in 2021. The industry will gradually phase out R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

The HVAC industry has implemented changes like this before. When the industry switched from using R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, residents like you had to adjust. And just like then, this transition will impact how systems are designed as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both homeowners and HVAC technicians need to plan for these new refrigerants if they want to continue enjoying the safest, most energy-efficient cooling possible.

Which New Refrigerant Is Replacing R-410a?

The coming refrigerants fall under the new "A2L" classification and contain the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're created to deliver the same efficient cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.

R-454B refrigerant is expected to be especially effective due to its GWP being around 78% lower than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is believed to be 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 significantly more energy efficient, leading to big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you stay on top of routine HVAC maintenance.

This transition isn't just about changing the refrigerant—it impacts the whole HVAC system because the properties of R-454B refrigerant make it incompatible with older systems. Ultimately, every home and business using R-410a will have to switch to one of the new systems.

R-410a Replacement: How Can I Prepare to Switch to New HVAC Refrigerants?

Switching to the new refrigerants won't be as easy as replacing what's used in your home's HVAC system. That's because the distinct properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant mean you can't use them in a system that uses R-410a.  But don't be concerned—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just keep in mind that as time goes on, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will increase as R-410a becomes scarcer.

Planning ahead is the most effective way to handle things. If your AC system is currently aging, this is the perfect time to consider investing in a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the staff here at Mountain Air can support you with making the transition with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.

Which HVAC Refrigerant Is in My Air Conditioner?

Not sure which refrigerant your AC system utilizes? 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 particulars about your cooling system.

But if you can't read the label or can't find your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the skilled technicians at Mountain Air to help you in figuring it out. Get all the information you need by giving us a call at 304-413-1287.