Significant changes are on the horizon 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 implemented in 2025. These new coolants are designed to be more beneficial to the environment and comply with revised regulations about global warming. But what does that mean for your present HVAC system and upcoming services?
This change will reduce the environmental impact of our air conditioning systems. Starting with 2025, new AC systems will employ new 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 investigate how these updates can impact 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 it worked so well. But studies showed that R-410a still affects global warming. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented an initiative back in 2021. The industry will steadily phase out R-410a to make room for refrigerants that are more eco-friendly.
The HVAC industry has made shifts like this before. When the industry moved away from using 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 constructed as well as the optimal methods for HVAC maintenance. Both property owners and HVAC technicians should plan for these new refrigerants if they want to keep experiencing the safest, most economical cooling possible.
New HVAC Refrigerants Replacing R-410a?
The new batch of refrigerants belong to the new "A2L" classification and include the newest R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant coolants. They're developed to offer the same effective cooling while greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.
R-454B refrigerant is believed to be especially efficient due to its GWP being approximately 78% less than R-410a. Although R-454B refrigerant is believed to be more flammable than R-410a, enhancements to system manufacturing and maintenance practices will ensure servicing is just as safe to perform. In addition, contemporary cooling systems using R-454B refrigerant are much more energy efficient, contributing to considerable savings on energy bills over time, especially if you maintain your system with routine HVAC maintenance.
This switch isn't just about swapping out the refrigerant—it affects the whole HVAC system because the characteristics of R-454B refrigerant make it not suitable for use in older systems. Eventually, every household and business using R-410a will be required to upgrade to one of the new systems.
R-410a Replacement: How Can I Prepare to Switch to New HVAC Refrigerants?
Transitioning to the new refrigerants isn't as easy as swapping out the new coolants with what's used in your current HVAC system. That's because the different properties of R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant make existing R-410a systems incompatible. But don't be concerned—you can continue to use your current R-410a system for now. Just know that as time goes on, the expense of repairs and tune-ups will go up as R-410a becomes less available.
Anticipating the changes is the best way to handle things. If your AC system is currently nearing the end of its lifespan, this is the ideal time to consider switching to a newer model that uses the new R-454B refrigerant. Plus, the HVAC specialists here at Haselhoff Air Solutions can help you in upgrading with flexible options for HVAC replacement financing.
What HVAC Refrigerant Does My Air Conditioner Use?
Unsure which refrigerant your AC system employs? 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 are unable to decipher the label or can't find your user manual, remain calm! You can always call one of the expert technicians at Haselhoff Air Solutions to assist you in identifying the refrigerant. Get all the information you need by reaching out at 515-450-8739.