Efficiency ratings are regional, so the new HVAC regulations for 2024 depend on where you live. New air conditioners in Northern regions must have a minimum SEER rating of 14. In Southern regions, the minimum SEER rating is 15 for most units.
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.
In 2024, we will see wider adoption of low GWP refrigerants such as R-32, which has only one third the GWP of R-410A. Other options like propane (R-290) and ammonia (R-717) are also gaining popularity as natural refrigerant alternatives. These will allow AC units to have a much lower carbon footprint.
For homeowners, the 2025 refrigerant changes mean new air conditioning systems purchased after this date will likely use R-32, R-454B, or other low-GWP refrigerants.
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.
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.
If your HVAC system is nearing the end of its life, now is the time to act. By upgrading your system in 2024, you can avoid the price hikes and ensure that you have a reliable and efficient HVAC system for years to come.
R-454B. R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in HVAC manufacturing from 2010 until the phase-out is complete in January 2025.
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.
ComStar's RS-53 (R470A) is the world's only drop-in retrofit replacement for existing R410a systems. At 909, RS-53 has a GWP that is effectively 56% lower than R410a. Additionally, RS-51 (R470B) has a GWP of 717 which is 80% lower than R404a, R507 and half of R448A and R449A.
How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.
If your system was installed in 2024 or beyond, it will likely use Puron Advance, also known as R-454B. Puron Advance has a low Global Warming Potential while also being non-ozone depleting.
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.
This move technically went into effect on January 1st, 2023, so it's already been a year. Under the DOE rules, US HVAC manufactures will discontinue production of SEER 14 units, and they can no longer sell any units with that rating, either.
Ducted AC Split Systems (or Mixed Ducted and Non-Ducted)
Individuals who purchase and place into service qualifying equipment between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024 may qualify for a non-refundable tax credit of up to $600 per system, subject to an annual limit of $1200 per taxpayer.
To protect the ozone layer and slow climate change, the EPA is phasing out all production of R-22 and other ozone-depleting substances — like HCFCs, CFCs, and Halons.
The limited supply and more complex manufacturing process of R454B compared to its predecessor R410A contribute to its higher cost. Estimates suggest R454B could be over three times more expensive than R410A (Logan Services Inc.).
If your system is nearing the end of its life, replacing it before 2025 could be a smart move to avoid higher prices later. Rising Repair Costs: If your system requires frequent repairs or uses R-22 refrigerant, which is already phased out, you might be better off replacing it now.
Starting in 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) raised the minimum energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems. For homeowners, this means that any new air conditioning unit installed must meet higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings.
Should I wait until 2024 to buy a heat pump? It's not necessary to wait until 2024 to buy a heat pump. The California heat pump rebate program is currently available, offering financial incentives for homeowners who install energy-efficient heat pump systems.
If you replace your AC after the phaseout begins in January 2025, your costs could increase by as much as 30%. This is because it's more expensive for manufacturers to produce HVAC systems that use the new refrigerants.
R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in current HVAC manufacturing.
The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur. Mixing refrigerants is not an option either. This will contaminate the system, and the R22 will not evaporate under the higher suction pressure that R410A requires.
Comprehensive Environmental Impact Metrics
This means systems using R32 typically consume less energy over their lifetime, resulting in fewer indirect emissions. R454B, while also efficient, may require a larger charge size to achieve similar cooling performance, which can increase its overall environmental footprint.