Starting in January 2025, no new HVAC systems will use R-410A refrigerant. Instead, most residential systems will use either R-32 or
What refrigerant will replace R-410A in 2025? For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.
What is R-454B? R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in current HVAC manufacturing. R-454B is a blend of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).
R-454B is the new refrigerant in 2024. By 2025, the EPA's required phaseout of R-410A will be in full effect, with production, importation, and distribution no longer allowed. HVACR businesses must be evaluating their current choices in coolant and ready to make the jump.
What are my options for replacing R-410A? Because there are no retrofits for R410A, a replacement is needed. The replacements for R-410A are the two A2Ls, Forane® R-32 and R-454B. Forane® R-32 can be used in new equipment designed specifically for mildly flammable refrigerants as a replacement for R-410A equipment.
What is the replacement for R-410A? A lower GWP replacement for R-410A is Forane® R-32. Forane® 32 is a stand-alone third generation refrigerant for new residential and light commercial air conditioning systems, heat pumps and other HVAC applications.
A High-Performing Alternative to R-134a
Opteon™ XL10 (R-1234yf) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting (ODP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) option that meets the industry's growing demands for sustainable, safe, and effective solutions.
No. R-454B is NOT a drop-in replacement for R-410A. Although many of the characteristics of R-454B are similar to R-410A, the use of R-454B is restricted by code and regulation to systems for which it was specifically designed.
In 2021, Honeywell and Trane Technologies launched the eco-friendly next-generation refrigerant N41, an alternative to the highly flammable and toxic R-410A. N41 has the same efficiency level as R-410A, while it also reduces the global warming impact by 65 percent.
In December 2022, the EPA unveiled a refrigerant ban that will go into effect between 2025 and 2026 (depending on the industry). The result? R-410A is out, shaking up the HVACR industry, which relies heavily on this refrigerant.
As Freon was phased out, new HVAC systems began using a refrigerant known as Puron® or R-410A, an HFC. More efficient and less harmful to the environment, R-410A has been in use since its introduction in 1996 and is found in most of today's modern HVAC systems.
Changes to the Dangerous Goods Legislation, effective in 2021, has new categories for A2L refrigerants. R32 is a synthetic greenhouse gas. If released to the atmosphere it can contribute to climate change. R32 is a flammable refrigerant.
Exposure hazards: Flammable. In combustion emits toxic fumes. Forms explosive air-vapour mixture. Advice for fire-fighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Why Did The U.S Ban R22 Refrigerant? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned R22 freon in the country. Why? R22 contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer – which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation from the sun and protects us from its harmful effects – and the ecosystem in general.
R32 has the advantage of being a singlecomponent refrigerant with higher energy efficiency and a smaller physical footprint. It's already in use globally, so you can be confident in its reliability. R454B, while newer, has the benefit of an even lower GWP, making it the more environmentally friendly option.
When Will R-410A Be Phased Out Completely? The complete phase-out of R-410A will likely occur by 2036, when HFC consumption is expected to be reduced by 85%. However, businesses should prepare well in advance, as the restrictions beginning in 2025 will already limit its use significantly.
The HVAC industry is transitioning to R32 systems to comply with new government regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. By January 1, 2025, most newly manufactured HVAC systems will be required to use R32 refrigerant instead of the older types like R410A.
RS-53 (R470A) is a new non-flammable Drop-in replacement for R410A with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than half that of R410A.
A Next-Generation R-134a Refrigerant Alternative
Opteon™ XP10 (R-513A) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting potential (ODP), low global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based replacement for R-134a.
The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur.
The limited supply and more complex manufacturing process of R454B compared to its predecessor R410A contribute to its higher cost.
R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.
Why Is R-134A Being Phased Out? When Is the Phaseout Expected to Conclude? Like a lot of '90s relics, R-134A has not aged well. It was known then that 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane could potentially contribute to acid rain and that its ozone layer depletion potential was high.
Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.
R-454b Will Be the New (New) Refrigerant Starting January 1st, 2023.