Understanding The Refrigerant Phase Out
2025’s Move to a Greener Cooling Option
You’ve likely heard the term, but what exactly is a refrigerant and what’s the best one for your home or business? It turns out that there have been significant advances in refrigerant types in recent years, all circling around the creation of more eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable options. Here is what you need to know about this essential cooling tool and the benefits of R-454B, the newest refrigerant on the market.
What is Refrigerant?
Simply put, refrigerant is a chemical substance that easily changes back and forth between liquid to gas forms and has the ability to cool warm air. It works by absorbing heat as it changes phases from a liquid to a gas. Once it’s changed over, your HVAC system transfers the gas to your outdoor unit, which condenses the refrigerant back into a liquid. This releases the heat, and your system moves the warm air outside, allowing your home to stay cool.
Types of Refrigerants Used in HVAC Systems
Older refrigerants include chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), like R-12, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), like R-22, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), like R-134a and R-410. All of these substances have been shown to have detrimental impacts on our environment and possess a high global warming potential (GWP).
This has led to the creation of a newer type of refrigerant, called R-454B, which is designed to address the environmental shortcomings of these older options. And with better products on the market, it should come as no surprise that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to phase out these older substances. They’ve mandated that companies cease the production of equipment that uses refrigerants like R-410A as of January 1st, 2025.
The Benefits of R-454B
When you look at the advantages, it’s easy to see why sustainable cooling is the smart choice for the planet and your pocketbook. First, R-454B has a significantly lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) and zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential), making it a better and greener alternative for our planet. It also has a greater energy efficiency, which can help in reducing the operational costs of both cooling and refrigeration systems, making it a beneficial choice for both home and business owners.
For context, R-410A has a GWP of 2088 while the newer R-454B has a GWP of 466—that’s more than a 75% reduction in our global warming footprint!
What Refrigerant is Circulating in Your HVAC?
The type of refrigerant used in your HVAC system will depend on the system’s age, model, and when it was manufactured. Most HVACs installed prior to January 1st, 2010 use R-22 refrigerant while those installed after this date typically utilize R-410A. A Dalco Heating & Air technician can help you to determine this information during your next maintenance appointment or you can check your owner’s manual.
PRO TIP: If you’ve misplaced your manual, go to your unit! The make and model will be printed on the data plate and you can then find the manual online.
Should You Replace Your HVAC?
One of the big benefits of R-454B is that it’s intended as a direct replacement for R-410A, the refrigerant currently being used in most residential and commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems. This means that you have the potential to upgrade your system without requiring major changes to existing equipment, depending on your unit’s specifications.
However, it’s important to note that while the EPA is banning the production of HVAC equipment that uses older refrigerants, that doesn’t mean you need to rush out and buy a new unit or make immediate upgrades to your system. If your unit is working fine, simply continue to get regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. Systems that use R-410A can still be serviced and repaired. Just know that because the production of R-410A refrigerant has been phased out, supplies will become more expensive and shortages will occur over time.
For those folks who are looking to replace their HVAC system, Trane is our trusted source for heating and cooling equipment. Why? They’re committed to building a better tomorrow for both the environment and homeowners. That’s why they began transitioning to this next-generation refrigerant over a year ago! In other words, when it comes time to upgrade, Trane has already manufactured and tested their equipment using R-454B refrigerant, making this company the premier choice for any of your HVAC needs.
DALCO Heating & Air Can Answer Your Questions
And, of course, if you have any questions regarding your current system or the refrigerant transition, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team! You can call at 303.979.7541 or fill out our Ask-a-Tech form. We’re happy to provide you with more information, professional advice, and tips to help you make the best decision for your home or business!