What You Need to Know About New Refrigerant Mandates 2025
What You Need to Know About New Refrigerant Mandates 2025
In an effort to meet environmental standards, the EPA has a new HVAC refrigerant mandate for residential and light commercial systems that will take effect on January 1st, 2025. This means current refrigerants like R-410A will be phased out for new options like R-454B and R-32, and those systems will eventually have to be replaced.
The Environmental Impact of Refrigerants
HVAC systems are common across the country, meaning there are a lot of residential and commercial systems contributing to greenhouse gases. R-410A has a global warming potential (GWP) of 2,088. The new refrigerants have lower GWPs, and one of the benefits of replacing R-410A is the increased energy efficiency of the latest options. Another reason it is being phased out is to help reduce the U.S.’s carbon footprint and ozone depletion. These new sustainable refrigerants will make your HVAC systems compliant and future-proof.
About The New Refrigerants
The transition to these new refrigerants can be confusing, but understanding the differences between the two will help home and business owners know which applies to them.
R-454B
This alternative refrigerant has a GWP of 466 and will be the best option for residential and light commercial systems. This option is more energy-efficient than R-410A and has a similar capacity.
R-32
This option has a GWP of 675. It requires less refrigerant charge, so you’ll use it less. This makes it a good choice for mini-splits and other smaller HVAC systems. It also has better heat transfer properties. However, it is more flammable.
What You Need to Do
Home and business owners have two options: continue using their current systems or replace it with a new HVAC system that uses the new refrigerant options. Keeping your current system is a viable short-term solution. However, as the current refrigerant is phased out, it will become harder to find. This will make maintenance and repairs difficult and eventually impossible.
Upgrading your residential or commercial system to one complaint with the EPA’s new refrigerant mandate is the better long-term solution, but the latest technology will be more expensive, thus making it a more significant investment than people might be ready for. Installing a new system will make your home more energy-efficient, saving you money on energy bills.
How Robert Bair Can Help
Robert Bair is committed to educating our staff on the latest in HVAC, including the new refrigerant mandate. Our team of experts will continue to perform repairs on your existing systems as well as installing the new compliant HVAC systems. Whether for your home or business, we’re here to bring your HVAC up-to-date and ensure you have the most energy-efficient option.
