The world of heating and cooling is preparing for a major shift as the industry moves from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. These new refrigerants are more eco-friendly and compatible with new environmental regulations around global warming. But what does that mean for HVAC services? Or for your existing equipment?
If you're a homeowner planning AC replacement in O'Fallon in the upcoming months, understanding the details of this transition is crucial so you can make an informed decision about your next cooling system. That's where Home Heating & Cooling comes in. We created this blog so you can familiarize yourself with the upcoming changes.
Why Is R-410a Being Phased Out?
R-410a has been the standard for most residential air conditioning systems for years, thanks to its high efficiency as compared to older refrigerants. However, studies show that R-410a still has a significant impact on global warming. To combat this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set a plan in motion in 2021 to gradually phase out R-410a in favor of refrigerants with lower environmental impacts.
This isn’t the first time the HVAC industry has made this kind of shift. The industry transitioned away from R-22 (commonly known as Freon) to R-410a with a similar goal of reducing environmental harm. And just as before, these changes will influence everything from new system designs to routine maintenance. Learning about these updates ensures that you and your trusted HVAC professionals will be ready for them.
What Is the New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025: R-454B & R-32 Refrigerant
The new wave of refrigerants falls under a new "A2L" classification, with options like R-454B and R-32. These coolants have been designed to offer the same cooling efficiency while greatly lowering their global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410a.
R-454B is one of the leading replacement coolants due to a GWP 78% lower than R-410a. Although R-410a has a lower flammability rating than R-454B, newer system designs and maintenance practices are also being updated to ensure safety remains a top priority.
Unfortunately, switching to the new refrigerants isn’t as simple as refilling your current system. The different properties of R-454B and R-32 make existing R-410a systems incompatible. Fortunately, there are HVAC tax credits and rebates that will help lower your upfront costs for these energy-efficient systems.
What Refrigerant Is in My HVAC System?
To find out what coolant your HVAC currently uses, check the label on your outdoor unit, or review your user manual. You should see the type of refrigerant used along with other important details like the model number and system specs. A Home Heating & Cooling professional can help if you can't find this information.
- R-22: Systems that are more than 15years old may still use R-22, also known as Freon. Due to its impact on the ozone layer, R-22 has already been phased out.
- R-410a: Most air conditioners installed after 2010 use R-410a. The unit’s label may refer to “R-410a” or use the brand name “Puron.”
- R-32: Some high-efficiency AC units might already use R-32, which has a lower GWP. This should be indicated on the label near the model number.
Stay Ahead with Home Heating & Cooling: Your Local HVAC Company in O'Fallon
Staying on top of refrigerant changes and system updates is so much easier with Home Heating & Cooling. And no matter what kind of coolant your system uses, we'll ensure the best possible service.
From our detailed HVAC maintenance plans to some of the finest AC replacement in O'Fallon, our team can keep your heating and cooling in excellent working condition. Don't wait until your system is on its last legs—schedule an appointment with us today and make sure your home has the latest in comfort technology.
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