Starting in January 2025, new air conditioners and heat pumps will use more environmentally friendly refrigerants instead of R-410A:
- R-32: A more efficient option with a lower global warming potential (GWP) than R-410A. It’s already used in many countries.
- R-454B: Has a lower GWP than R-410A and offers similar efficiency and capacity.
These changes are part of a global effort to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants that contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that manufacturers switch to an alternate refrigerant with a GWP of 700 or less by 2025.
Here are some things to consider as the transition to new refrigerants approaches:
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- Schedule an inspection: Have a qualified HVAC professional inspect your system to determine if it uses R-410A or another refrigerant.
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- Consider early replacement: You can consider replacing your system early.
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- Take advantage of tax credits and rebates: You can take advantage of any tax credits or local rebates that are available.
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- Budget for the future: You can budget for the future costs associated with the transition.
- Budget for the future: You can budget for the future costs associated with the transition.
The new refrigerants are also less flammable than older refrigerants, but they require new safety designs in HVAC systems. Manufacturers are adding new safety features, such as better leak detection sensors and updated installation instructions.