The new R-454B Refrigerant has been initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and set to take effect on January 1, 2025, will phase out the use of R-410A refrigerant in residential-type HVAC systems, replacing it with the new R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant, depending on the manufacturer.
About the new R-454B Refrigerant
The newest refrigerant, (R454B) 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 has a lower GWP than previous refrigerants, meaning it has a much lower climate impact.
Trane is phasing in the transition to R-454B in 2024, starting with the adoption of R-454B refrigerant in its residential products, beginning with the XR15 SEER2 heat pump.
Is it necessary to Upgrade Your Air Conditioner?
Does this mean you have to upgrade your AC system to one that uses the new refrigerant? The answer is not right away. You can keep your current air conditioner, no matter what refrigerant it uses, for the duration of its serviceable life.
Manufacturers can technically continue to produce AC equipment using the old refrigerant until 2025. Any equipment produced before that deadline must be installed by January 1, 2026. However, to avoid stranded inventory, the manufacturers are scaling back production of outdated equipment well ahead of those deadlines.
What if My System Still Has R-22 Refrigerant?
R-22 has been banned by the federal government in the United States, on January 1, 2020.. But this doesn’t mean it will be cost-effective compared to other alternatives.
This could change when your system springs a leak, or a part needs to be replaced. Repair costs on older systems are often high enough that it’s better to consider replacing the entire system.
