Mandated 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Change

A major change is coming for commercial and residential HVAC systems to meet new environmental standards and reduce global warming. The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) was imposed in 2020. It committed the US to a 15-year phase out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in major appliances and HVAC units.

Starting in 2025, HVAC equipment will use refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP). It is important to understand the government mandate and what it means for homeowners. Knowing how to transition to a new system is key for being ready for the future.

Before January 1, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will phase out R-410A refrigerant in many HVAC systems. American designers and manufacturers will switch to R-454B or R-32, depending on the type of product. This initiative aims to combat climate change by promoting refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP) and aligns with the Montreal protocol.

As the HVAC industry transitions away from the use of R-410A refrigerants, the changes will reflect a larger effort to combat climate change. This change reflects a growing understanding of the negative impact traditional refrigerants have on our environment.

The EPA is mostly phasing out R-410A in favor of more eco-friendly refrigerants. Some of these refrigerants can include R-32 and R-454B, which have lower global warming potential (GWP). This shift will drive HVAC systems toward greater environmental sustainability and efficiency.

This will encourage homeowners and businesses to adopt systems that reduce their carbon footprint while complying with new regulations.

Key Objectives

Several key factors highlight the upcoming transition from R-410A to newer refrigerants, focusing on environmental benefits, regulatory compliance, and improved system efficiency.

• Phase-out of R410A: On January 1, 2025, R-410A will no longer be used in commercial and residential HVAC systems.
• Introduction of R-454B and R-32: These refrigerants have much lower global warming potential (GWP). ASHRAE classifies R-454B and R-32 as mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerants making them a less flammable and less toxic alternative.
• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: New refrigerants will help improve the overall efficiency of HVAC systems, potentially reducing energy costs for consumers.

As the HVAC industry adjusts to these changes, we can expect to see new technology that improves the overall performance of the systems. This shift supports environmental durability while encouraging innovation within the HVAC sector, paving the way for more effective responsible solutions.

This change will require updates in American industry and consumer products for a safe transition. Standards in manufacturing and local building codes needs upgrades to safely operate A2L type of refrigerants. However, contractors won't need to change their daily habits.

The impacts on commercial systems will be similar but on a larger scale. These systems typically contain larger refrigerant charges, and maintaining older AC units with non-compliant refrigerants can be costly due to potential refrigerant leaks. Businesses should plan to update or replace existing systems. This will help avoid rising costs and meet environmental regulations.

As we get closer to the 2025 HVAC refrigerant change, it's important to know about eco-friendly options. These alternatives must meet the new EPA standards. New air conditioning systems must use refrigerants with a GWP under 750, like R-32 and R-454B, as previously mentioned. These alternatives not only reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems but also enhance energy efficiency, contributing to lower operating costs over time by reducing high pressure conditions.

ASHRAE qualifies refrigerant types by level of flammability and level of toxicity. To understand their grading scale look at the list below:

Refrigerant Table

• A3: Highly Flammable / Low Toxicity
• B3: Highly Flammable / High Toxicity
• A2: Flammable / Low Toxicity
• B2: Flammable / High Toxicity
• A2L: Lower Flammability / Low Toxicity
• B2L: Lower Flammability / High Toxicity
• A1: Not Flammable / Low Toxicity
• B1: Not Flammable / High Toxicity

A2L refrigerants have low flammability and low toxicity levels making them perfect as a new industry standard. Embracing these eco-friendly refrigerants is a crucial step toward a greener future in HVAC technology.

• Supports environmental goals by reducing high global warming potential (GWP).
• Meets new standards while improving energy efficiency and system performance.

New commercial and residential refrigeration and air conditioning installations are set to undergo significant changes to meet updated environmental regulations. Starting in 2025, all new systems, whether for homes or businesses, must use refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) below 750, such as R-32 or R-454B. These eco-friendly refrigerants not only comply with EPA standards but also improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact by efficiently absorbing heat.

For businesses and homeowners alike, the transition to more durable and efficient systems will offer long-term benefits. Not only do these installations help meet regulatory requirements, but they also lower operational costs by reducing energy consumption. By investing in modern, sustainable systems, both residential and commercial property owners can ensure they are future-proofing their installations while supporting environmental goals.