The latest news in the world of HVAC and heat pumps is the phasing out of R-410A refrigerant and the phasing in of R-454B.
R-454B refrigerant is soon to become the standard, while R-410A is on its way out, and future HVAC systems and heating pumps will be manufactured according to those standards.
What’s the Difference?
Pro: R-454B is more energy-efficient
Worried about increasing energy costs during a cost-of-living crisis? R-454B refrigerant is around 2-3% more energy efficient than R-410A, saving you on your energy bill each month. While it may not seem like a huge difference, it does have an impact in the long run.
Con: R-454B is mildly more flammable
Both are flammable. In fact, all refrigerants are. But R-454B is classified as having an A2L rating, while R-410A is classified as having an A1 rating. However, this shouldn’t scare you. It’s still only mildly flammable, and as long as it’s handled correctly, it’s perfectly safe.
Pro: R-454B is more environmentally friendly
R-454B refrigerant has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). This, coupled with its reduction in greenhouse emissions thanks to lower electricity production, makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to R-410A.
Con: R-454B HVAC systems and heating pumps will be more expensive
As newer systems are being manufactured to work with R-454B, they will initially cost around 15% more than the current systems on sale that work with R-410A. This should change over time as it becomes the standard, and R-410A has become completely phased out.
Properties of R-454B Refrigerant
The chemical properties of R454B refrigerant are made up of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) mixed with hydrofluorocarbons (HCFs). If you want to get into specifics, it’s 68.9% difluoromethane (R32) and 31.1% 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf).
Why is the Change Happening?
As previously mentioned, R-454B is a more environmentally friendly alternative to R-410A. And back in 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) was passed by Congress.
AIM’s goal was to reduce the creation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and their GWP. The GWP rates a substance’s impact on the environment in comparison to CO2. R-410 has a higher GWP than R-454B. Four years ago, the AIM began phasing out R-410A by 10% and is now increasing that percentage to 30%.
Thanks to the AIM, the EPA will now require HVAC manufacturers to halt production of systems and heat pumps that use R-410 by the beginning of 2025.
How Does This Change Impact You as a Homeowner?
Price increases
As mentioned earlier, HVAC systems and heating pumps using R-454B are going to be more pricey than those with R-410A. You can expect around a 15% increase. This price increase has already started in 2024 and is expected to continue into 2025.
As the systems using R-454B become more standardized, you can expect them to become less expensive over time.
Do you have to upgrade and by when?
No, you can stick with your current HVAC system or heating pump as long as it’s still serviceable. However, manufacturers will no longer be legally allowed to produce R-410A systems after January 1, 2025. From then on, all systems need to be suitable for R-454B refrigerant.
Thinking of Making a Change?
If you’re thinking of switching over to a new AC unit, we’re here to ensure that it’s done right!