Significant changes are on the horizon for the heating and cooling business! Cooling systems moving from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be coming in 2025. These new coolants are designed to be more beneficial to the environment and satisfy revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your current HVAC system and upcoming services?
This transition will reduce the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. In 2025, new AC systems will utilize an alternative class of refrigerants that more closely match with climate goals. If you're considering getting an AC replacement soon, this is the perfect time to explore how these updates can impact your home's comfort.
Why Exactly Is R-410a Being Phased Out?
For a long time, R-410a was the preferred refrigerant for residential air conditioners because of its effectiveness. But analysis uncovered that R-410a still affects global warming. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented an initiative back in 2021. The industry will steadily discontinue R-410a to introduce refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.
The HVAC industry has implemented shifts like this before. When the industry phased out R-22 (commonly called Freon) to R-410a, property owners like you had to adjust. And in the same way, this shift will affect how systems are engineered as well as the best practices for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they want to keep experiencing the most secure, most energy-efficient cooling possible.
New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?
The coming refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and encompass the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to offer the same powerful cooling while substantially decreasing their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.
R-454B refrigerant is anticipated to be especially useful due to its GWP being around 78% lower 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. In addition, today's cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are significantly more energy efficient, leading to big savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.
This transition isn't simply about replacing the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the components of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Eventually, every household and business using R-410a will have to upgrade to one of the new systems.
R-410a Replacement: What Should I Consider in Order to Change to New HVAC Refrigerants?
Transitioning to the new refrigerants will not be as easy as swapping out the new coolants with 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 them in a system that uses R-410a. But don't worry—you can keep using your current R-410a system for now. Just remember that as time progresses, the cost of repairs and tune-ups will rise as R-410a becomes less available.
Planning ahead is the best way to manage things. If your AC system is currently 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 HVAC specialists here at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace can help you in switching with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.
What HVAC Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?
Unsure which refrigerant your AC system utilizes? In general, you can easily find 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 have difficulty reading the label or can't find your user manual, don't stress! You can always connect with one of the professional technicians at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace to assist you in figuring it out. Get all the info you need by reaching out at 608-291-3606.
