Refrigerant is a chemical compound used to absorb heat and transfer it elsewhere, making it a critical component of every AC system. If you have an older AC unit, you need to know about important changes coming to the HVAC industry in 2025. Under new EPA regulations, manufacturers are phasing out a refrigerant called R-410A and replacing it with R-32 or R-454B, both of which have lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) ratings.
With less than a year to prepare, you need to understand your options. If you upgrade to an R-410A system now, you can save a substantial amount of money. However, you may want to wait to invest in a system that uses R-454B or R-32.
Here’s what you need to know about the coming changes to old refrigerant units:
- Why the HVAC industry is transitioning away from R-410A
- Pros of upgrading to R-410A now
- Pros and cons of waiting for R-454B and R-32
- Making the right choice for your home
Learn more about the pros and cons of upgrading your current system vs. waiting until next year.
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Why the HVAC Industry Is Transitioning Away From R-410A
Although R-410A is an effective refrigerant, it has a high GWP, which means it warms the earth more than refrigerants with lower GWP values. In 2016, parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer adopted the Kigali Amendment, which sets new goals related to the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
HFCs have an extreme warming effect, so they play a major role in global warming. The Kigali Amendment aims to prevent a temperature increase of up to half a degree Celsius by 2100.
Pros of Upgrading to R-410A Now
If you have old refrigerant units, you may benefit from upgrading to R-410A now instead of waiting for the R-454B changes and R-32 changes to go into effect. R-410A units are currently the industry standard, so they’re widely available. As a result, parts, maintenance services, and technical expertise are easy to find.
Because R-410A has been around for a while, it’s been tested over millions of installations. This ensures that the technology is mature, reliable, and understood by HVAC professionals. Upgrading to R-410A from an R-22 unit is also likely to increase energy efficiency, leaving you with lower utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
Upgrading to R-410A now also offers the following benefits:
- R-410A has a lower ozone-depletion potential (ODP) than R-22, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to older refrigerant units.
- You may qualify for a rebate if you upgrade now. Those same rebates may be phased out once the changes take effect.
- Upgrading now may help you avoid additional repair costs for your existing unit.
- R-410 meets current environmental regulations, so waiting to upgrade may offer little to no regulatory benefit for several years.
Pros and Cons of Waiting for R-454B and R-32
Because R-454B and R-32 have lower GWP ratings, they have less of an impact on the environment. They’re also more efficient than older refrigerants, which may help you slash your utility bills when it’s warm outside. Despite these benefits, there are also some drawbacks:
- Both refrigerants are mildly flammable.
- You have to cover the installation costs, which may be higher than the costs for a system that uses R-410A.
- R-454B and R-32 systems aren’t widely available yet.
- Your existing unit may perform just fine, leaving you unwilling to upgrade.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Before you decide which refrigerant to use, consider your home and its cooling needs carefully. You also need to consider your budget, as upgrading to a newer refrigerant typically costs more than upgrading to an R-410 system. Be sure to consult an HVAC professional for expert guidance.
Save up to $4,500 on a New HVAC Unit with Qualifying Tax Rebates & Incentives!
Whether you need AC installation or emergency repairs, you can rely on Rusty’s to get the job done right the first time. We’re committed to the highest quality workmanship, so you can rest easy knowing that you have a true pro working on your AC system. Schedule your next AC service with us today.
