At Key Heating & Cooling, we take pride in staying at the forefront of industry advancements to deliver the most efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC solutions while ensuring your home remains comfortable year-round. As part of our commitment to providing up-to-date information, we want to keep you informed about a significant change in the HVAC industry: the transition from R-410A refrigerant to R-454B.
What is a Refrigerant and How Does it Work?
Refrigerants are chemical compounds essential for your heating and cooling unit. They enable the transfer of heat to generate heating or cooling, cycling through liquid and gas states to control the temperature of your home. The process of refrigeration cycles through four stages.
Evaporation: The refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air, causing it to evaporate into a low-pressure gas.
Compression: The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the gas.
Condensation: This stage is also called heat release. The gas releases heat outdoors and condenses back into a liquid.
Expansion: This is the final step in the cycle. The refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, lowering its pressure and temperature before the cycle repeats.
What Is the R-410A Phase-Out?
Since 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked to improve energy efficiency, protect the environment, and ensure that the products we use are safe and sustainable. As of January 1, 2025, the EPA has implemented a shift away from R-410A refrigerant in favor of R-454B. This change is a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more eco-friendly future.
R-410A vs. R-454B: What’s the Difference?
For over 20 years, R-410A has been one of the most commonly used refrigerants in heating and cooling systems. However, much like R-22 (which was phased out in 2020 due to its ozone-depleting properties), R-410A has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2,088 and is classified as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)—a potent greenhouse gas.
R-454B, on the other hand, has a significantly lower GWP of 465, making it a more environmentally responsible choice. It falls under the hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) category, which is designed to maintain safety, improve energy efficiency, and serve as a more sustainable alternative to previous refrigerants.
What This Means for Key Heating & Cooling Customers
You don’t need to upgrade your system right away. If you have an HVAC system that uses R-410A, you can continue using it. R-410A will still be available for servicing and maintenance for the foreseeable future.
However, it’s important to note that R-454B cannot be used in an R-410A system—the two refrigerants are not interchangeable. R-454B can only be used in systems specifically designed for it, as current codes restrict its use in older equipment.
At Key Heating & Cooling, we are committed to supporting our customers through this transition. We will continue servicing R-410A systems to ensure reliable performance, and as we move into 2025, we are fully equipped to install and maintain systems using R-454B refrigerant.
When Should You Consider Upgrading?
While upgrading isn’t required immediately, there are a few key reasons to consider making the switch:
Your system is over nine years old. Older HVAC units tend to be less efficient and require more frequent repairs.
You’re experiencing frequent breakdowns. If repair costs are adding up, a newer system could save you money in the long run.
You want improved energy efficiency. R-454B systems are designed with higher efficiency standards, which can help lower your energy bills.
If you're unsure whether it's time to upgrade, Key Heating & Cooling's qualified service technicians are here to help. We are fully trained to handle R-454B refrigerant and can guide you through the transition when the time is right.
Have questions? Contact Key Heating & Cooling today to learn more about how this change impacts your home and what options are available to you.
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