Upcoming Changes in Refrigerants for 2025

What Orange County Homeowners Should Know

The HVAC industry is preparing for a major shift in refrigerants, driven by the need to reduce environmental impact. After 2024, the use of R-410A refrigerant will no longer be used in new HVAC equipment. This change is part of a broader initiative to lower the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the refrigerants used in our homes. In place of R-410A, two new refrigerants—R-454B and R-32—will become the standard, offering more eco-friendly solutions.

Why the Change in Refrigerant Rules?

R-410A has been the go-to refrigerant for many years, known for its efficiency and reliability. However, its high GWP of 2,088 has made it a target for phaseout under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). In response, the HVAC industry is shifting to refrigerants with significantly lower GWP values—R-454B and R-32.

• R-454B: With a GWP of around 465, R-454B is a direct replacement for R-410A in many systems. It offers similar efficiency levels but with a much lower environmental impact.
• R-32: This refrigerant has a GWP of 675 and is already in use in many parts of the world. It’s expected to be widely adopted in mini-split systems due to its high energy efficiency.

What Does This Mean for You?

The transition to these new refrigerants means that after 2025, R-410A will no longer be available for use in new HVAC systems. However, existing systems using R-410A can still be serviced and maintained. The price of R-410A is expected to rise, with new equipment expected to increase in price by 20-30%, so if you’re considering upgrading your system, now is the time.

Get an Estimate on R-410A Units While Supplies Last

At Mission Viejo Heating & Air, we are committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your comfort. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your air conditioning system, don’t wait—now is the perfect time to get an estimate on lower priced R-410A units before they are phased out. Contact us today to schedule a free in-person estimate.