The HVAC industry recently underwent a change that will eventually affect every homeowner planning to purchase or replace their heating and cooling system. Effective January 2025, new guidelines were issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updating the types of refrigerants used in residential HVAC systems. 

If you’re a homeowner, understanding this transition to a new HVAC refrigerant in 2025 will help you make informed decisions about your home comfort systems.

Understanding the Transition to New Refrigerants in 2025

The new EPA refrigerant regulations in 2025 represent a crucial step toward sustainable home comfort. This change stems from the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, which empowered the EPA to regulate hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Under these new regulations, manufacturers must switch to refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 700 or less by 2025.

So, what does this mean in practical terms for HVAC manufacturers and the homeowners who rely on their products? 

The most immediate change is the phasing out of R-410A, a traditional HVAC refrigerant with a GWP of 2,088. Major manufacturers are already preparing for this transition, with some companies getting ahead of the deadline by introducing systems that use newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants.

How R-32 and R-454B Compare to Traditional Refrigerants

The two primary replacements for R-410A are R-32 and R-454B, both of which offer significant environmental advantages without compromising on cooling and heating performance. To understand the impact of this change, let’s examine how these new refrigerants stack up against traditional options:

R-32

R-32 represents a major step forward in refrigerant technology. With a GWP of 675, it provides an environmentally friendly alternative to R-410A. Beyond its reduced environmental impact, R-32 brings several practical advantages to homeowners: 

• It operates more efficiently than its predecessor, requiring a smaller amount of refrigerant to achieve the same cooling effect.

• It demonstrates better heat transfer properties than R-410A.

R-454B

With a GWP of just 466, R-454B has an even lower environmental impact than R-32. This new freon for HVAC systems was specifically developed to replace R-410A, demonstrating similar efficiency and cooling capacity to its predecessor while dramatically reducing environmental impact.

Leading HVAC manufacturers are already incorporating R-454B into their whole-home, ducted solutions, while R-32 is showing promise as the preferred choice for ductless systems.

How These Changes Impact Current HVAC Systems

Understanding the impact of EPA refrigerant regulations in 2025 is critical for HVAC owners considering repairing or replacing their systems. Luckily, if your current system uses R-410A, you won’t need to make any immediate changes. However, you should be aware of how these regulations will affect service over time.

• For repairs:

Your local certified HVAC technician can continue to service systems with R-410A. While parts and services will remain available for the foreseeable future, it’s important to note that R-410A will become increasingly scarce as manufacturers phase it out. In time, this could potentially lead to higher maintenance costs.

• For system replacement:

Any new installation after January 2025 will include new, environmentally friendly refrigerants. 2025 systems offer several advantages, including improved energy efficiency, potential rebates and incentives, and advanced features for enhanced home comfort and value.

What Homeowners Need to Know & Consider

As we collectively adjust to this significant transition in HVAC technology, there are several key factors homeowners should consider:

• Cost

Initial costs may be higher for new systems using updated refrigerants, primarily due to new technology and manufacturing processes. Don’t get intimidated by the sticker price. These systems provide greater energy efficiency, which can lead to reduced monthly utility bills and long-term savings that offset the upfront investment. 

• Parts & Service

The availability of parts and services for older R-410A systems will gradually decrease. While you won’t need to immediately replace your current system, it’s wise to factor this into your long-term home maintenance planning. As R-410A becomes less common, associated service costs may increase.

• Environmental Impact

By transitioning to systems using low-GWP refrigerants, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Alignment with global environmental protection efforts may become increasingly important for home valuations in the future.

The Benefits of R-32 and R-454B Refrigerants

Transitioning to a new HVAC refrigerant in 2025 offers numerous benefits.

• Compared to R-410A, R-32 and R-454B have much lower GWPs, which means your HVAC system will operate with a smaller environmental footprint. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions contribute meaningfully to global climate protection efforts.

• From a performance perspective, these new HVAC refrigerants deliver improved energy efficiency, which can lead to noticeably lower monthly utility bills. Their enhanced heat transfer properties also contribute to better overall system performance, potentially providing more consistent comfort throughout your home.

• Looking toward the future, upgrading to a system that runs on new refrigerant helps future-proof your home. As older refrigerants are phased out, maintaining systems with newer refrigerants will become increasingly cost-effective and convenient—if not mandatory. 

• New HVAC systems also offer practical service advantages. As R-410A becomes less common, finding outdated parts from a certified HVAC technician may become challenging and expensive. Systems using R-32 or R-454B will have readily available parts and service support.

Get Ahead of the New HVAC Refrigerant Changes with Eck Services

At Eck Services, we’re here to help you stay up-to-date on new EPA refrigerant regulations in 2025. Beyond educating our customers on the latest trends affecting home comfort, our technicians are committed to providing reliable and professional HVAC services across communities in Central & Southeast Kansas. Whether you live in Wichita, Hutchinson, Salina, or Pratt, we’re here to keep you informed and protected. 

As a Lennox Premier Dealer, we collaborate with the industry’s most innovative HVAC manufacturer to provide you with modern heating and cooling solutions that adhere to our industry’s changing regulations.

Contact Eck Services today to upgrade to a new, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly HVAC system.

FAQ’s About the New 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Changes