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What You Need to Know About the New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025

Published: February 5, 2025
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In the HVAC industry, innovations have significantly improved system performance and enhanced eco-friendliness. These advancements also apply to HVAC refrigerants. Traditionally, types like R-410A have served as reliable options for cooling our homes. However, as technology evolves, older refrigerants are being phased out in favor of newer alternatives such as R-32 and R-454B.

While this may seem like a sudden change for homeowners, the experts at LimRic are here to explain how these shifts in refrigerant affect your air conditioning and heating.

Why Are Refrigerants like R-410A Being Phased Out?

R-410A has been an integral part of keeping our homes comfortable throughout the year. No matter if it’s air conditioning or heating, R-410A comes with a harsh drawback: an extremely high GWP value (Global Warming Potential), being 2088. The higher the number, the more direct harm systems like our HVACs cause to the planet.

The high amount of emissions has made the Industry slowly shift and phase out dangerous components like these refrigerants. Since reducing production and imports in 2023, we have reached the peak in 2025 with a complete phaseout and a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives.

Understanding the New HVAC Refrigerants: R-32 and R-454B

What are the eco-friendly alternatives in question? There are the two types, R-32 and R-454B, both boasting a much better GWP value while still providing the effective cooling that HVAC owners are used to. Let us break down the specifics for both types:

  • R-32: A refrigerant that is used widely around the world. With a low GWP value of only 675, it allows enhanced HVAC efficiency, improved heat transfers, and while needing less refrigerant charge. The downside to this type is being mildly flammable so assistance from a certified HVAC professional is necessary when dealing with it
  • R-454B: Containing an even smaller GWP value of 466, this has slowly been the transition standard for newer air conditioning units that contained R-410A prior. This is due to the refrigerant offering the same level of system efficiency while creating far less of an environmental impact.

How Do the New EPA Refrigerant Regulations Impact Your HVAC System?

If your HVAC utilizes older refrigerants such as R-410A, then it unfortunately will not be compatible with the newer, eco-friendly alternatives. Thankfully, your HVAC system can still be given proper maintenance with replacement units for R-410A refrigerants. This will last until you get an HVAC replacement, where your new system will be compliant with the new refrigerant types

hvac-refrigerants-vector-1024x513 What You Need to Know About the New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025

Factors to Consider Before Upgrading Your HVAC System

With the phaseout of older refrigerants, homeowners may feel an urge to upgrade their HVACs to comply with these new eco-alternatives. Before you make the big move, you have to consider whether you are happy with repairing and maintaining your current system or fully replacing it.

Repair

Current systems that use older refrigerants like R-410A can still be operated and maintained, making repairs a perfect option if your HVAC is relatively new and working great. Components for system repairs should still be available when service is required. The key issue is around the affordability and availability of the phased-out refrigerant as over time, quantities diminish and what is left can be very expensive. 

Replace

When it comes to replacing your current system, it comes down to knowing the lifespan and usage of your unit. Charleston HVAC owners see varying degrees of extreme weather, such as humid summers, pushing them to heavier reliance on their HVACs. 

In some cases, systems only last 10 to 12 years. So if you are currently running a dated system, it may be much more effective to make an early swap. A 2025-compliant system not only is more eco-friendly when it comes to the refrigerant, but it will also be a complete upgrade in terms of efficiency and keeping energy usage low.

Benefits of the New HVAC Refrigerant Mandate

  • Environmental Impact –  The phasing out of older, higher GWP refrigerants and replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives, provides us the same HVAC comfort we want with this effect on the planet. 
  • Energy Efficiency – 2025 refrigerant-compliant systems perform at far greater efficiency and performance, keeping your cooling fast and consistent without unnecessary energy usage.  
  • Future-Proofing – Replacing or purchasing a new regulated HVAC system keeps you complying in the long term, eliminating the risk of system replacements or expensive retrofitting. 
  • Improved System Performance – New refrigerant types allow for better heat transfer properties, creating a better HVAC performance overall. 
  • Long-term Cost Savings – New HVAC systems may come with a daunting price tag, but the lower need for maintenance, and reduced energy usage end up providing long-term savings.
hvac-refrigerants-vector-1024x513 What You Need to Know About the New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025

Contact Our Certified HVAC Technicians for the New 2025 Refrigerant Transition

As old refrigerant types get phased out, Charleston homeowners considering the transition need experts to provide efficient and safe services. Look no further than LimRic. Our certified HVAC technicians help with all processes from transitioning to a newer 2025-compliant system to servicing your current setup with replacement refrigerant.

Reliable HVAC Services Across Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, & Beyond

Our team dedicates ourselves to not only providing optimal comfort to the Charleston area but also keeping systems ahead of the game when it comes to complying with regulations. Whenever the HVAC rules change, LimRic is prepared to keep both comfortable and safe.

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New HVAC Refrigerant FAQs:

Are the new refrigerants safe?

Yes, they are. While 2025 refrigerants come with an A2L classification, meaning mildly flammable, they do not pose any greater risk to your safety than other common household products. Our certified HVAC technicians perform extensive tests to ensure the process of refrigerant transition is safe and poses no risk to you when using your HVAC

Are the new refrigerants more expensive?

Refrigerants generally stay at the same market price depending on supply and demand. On the other hand, 2025 refrigerant-compliant systems see an increased price due to advances in technology providing an overall upgrade to all functions.

Can I still repair or recharge my current HVAC system?

If your current HVAC system still has remaining refrigerant, you can have it repaired or recharged. When the time comes, call a certified HVAC technician so they can perform the needed assessment and efficient repairs. An expert also makes sure your system functionality is following the required regulations.

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