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R-410A has long been the most common refrigerant used in residential air conditioning units and heat pumps. Starting in 2025, newly manufactured HVAC systems will no longer use R-410A and will move to a new HVAC refrigerant. So, what is the new HVAC refrigerant? The new HVAC refrigerant manufacturers will use R-454B and R-32.

The transition is part of the global effort to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants, which could potentially affect the cost and availability of HVAC systems. In turn, this adds another wrinkle homeowners have to consider for their HVAC systems.

The experts at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to break down what this industry change means for homeowners going forward.

Why the HVAC Industry is Moving Away from R-410A

The industry is moving away from R-410A to newer HVAC refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). The switch is due to new EPA refrigerant regulations in 2025 to lower the industry’s carbon footprint by opting for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Let’s look at the two refrigerant options being considered due to their lower GWP.

R-454B

One of the new refrigerants replacing R-410A is R-454B. R-454B has a GWP rating of 466, a vast decrease compared to R-410A’s GWP of 2,088. At this rating, the R-454B has a significantly less impact on the environment while also offering similar efficiency and capacity.

R-32

R-32 refrigerant has already been in use in many countries. R-32’s GWP is also far less daunting, sitting at a value of 675. R-32 is a lucrative alternative to manufacturers and consumers due to its efficiency, enhanced heat transfer properties, and the fact that it requires less refrigerant charge.

How GWP is Calculated 

GWP is calculated by how much energy the emission of 1 ton of gas will absorb over a given period compared to the emission of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). The larger the GWP rating, the more the gas warms the Earth compared to CO2 over that period of time. The typical duration for GWPs is 100 years.

The Environmental Impact of R-454B Refrigerant

R-454B has made strides within the HVAC industry due to its benefits and lack of negative impact on the environment. The environmental benefits of R-454B include: 

• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions 
• No ozone depletion potential (ODP)
• A GWP 75% lower than R-410A
• Low toxicity 
• Energy efficiency

How the HVAC Industry is Adapting to New Refrigerants

With the shift to new HVAC refrigerants, the impact on the HVAC industry is going to be widespread. These changes have forced manufacturers to redesign their equipment to implement the newest standard of refrigerants. Design changes could entail safety standards, system components, and the design as a whole. Over time, systems that once relied on R-410A will be phased out. 

Another change this shift is going to affect is HVAC companies and their technicians. HVAC technicians will have to undergo additional training and obtain certifications to handle new refrigerants safely and effectively. The updates to safety protocols and handling procedures are large in part due to the flammable nature of these refrigerants and their changes under different pressures.

What the 2025 Refrigerant Changes Mean for Homeowners

Now that we’ve covered how this change affects the HVAC industry, what does it mean for homeowners? Above all, the shift to new HVAC refrigerants in 2025 means that newly purchased air conditioning systems are likely going to be using R-454B or R-32. Here’s how it’ll affect certain factors:

Cost

Considering newer systems will have to make updates for new refrigerants, air conditioning systems are likely to be more expensive initially. The initial rise in costs is particularly tied to the implementation of newer technologies and changes in manufacturing. Although, since newer systems will be more efficient, the potential for lower energy bills helps lessen the initial expense.

Availability of parts and service

As the systems that use R-410A start to disappear, services for these systems are going to be harder to come by or be more expensive. Homeowners need to prepare for the potential lack of parts and services for these systems and consider upgrading sooner rather than later.

Environmental impact

Homeowners can have peace of mind in their system by utilizing refrigerants with lower GWP, which makes a positive environmental impact. Low GWP refrigerants reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change and reinforcing protection to the environment.

The Push for Sustainability in the HVAC Industry

Due to the government mandates on refrigerants in 2025, sustainability is seeing a major push within the HVAC industry. While new HVAC refrigerant usage is going to take some time to implement across the board at every level of the industry, the benefits are undeniable.

This commitment to sustainability from the HVAC industry helps mitigate climate change for the betterment of the planet’s future.

The Benefits of Switching to a Low-GWP HVAC System

With Low-GWP HVAC systems rolling out in 2025, what’s the rush to upgrade? Here are the benefits homeowners can enjoy when they upgrade: 

• Better for the environment. The system reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lessens your carbon footprint. 

• Energy efficiency. These systems are typically more energy efficient than previous ones and can lower your home’s energy bills as a result. 

• Future-proofing. Low-GWP HVAC systems are in proper compliance with regulations. 

• Improved system performance. The new HVAC refrigerant offers enhanced heat transfer properties, improving the performance of the entire system. 

• Availability of parts and services. Services and parts for older systems will become obsolete, posing challenges for homeowners who haven’t made the change.

• Cost savings. With improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs, the long-term cost savings can’t be denied.

Trust Chapman for Expert HVAC Replacement & Services in Indianapolis

These new changes within the HVAC industry make sufficient access to the right provider all the more important. That’s why in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the leading choice for homeowners.

When it comes time for HVAC replacement and other services such as air conditioning and heating, rely on our experts who have the knowledge and experience needed to complete the job.
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