What Home & Business Owners Should Know About AC Refrigerants R-454B and R-32

If you’ve been thinking about replacing your air conditioning system or your current one is on its last leg, there’s a big change happening in the air conditioning industry you should know about. What’s changing, you may ask? The type of refrigerant inside your AC system! 

As of this past January (2025), HVAC manufacturers are required to stop producing new systems using R-410A, the refrigerant that’s been the standard for over a decade. Now, instead of R-410A, the industry is shifting to more environmentally friendly alternatives, primarily R-454B and R-32. These new cooling agents are being introduced as part of a federal initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner, more efficient cooling systems. 

So, what does that mean for your home or business? When should you contact Parker Services for assistance with HVAC issues related to this topic? We’re here to break it down for you.

Why Are AC Refrigerants Changing?

Refrigerants are the fluids that move through your AC system, carrying heat from the inside and releasing it outside—this is what allows your system to stay cool and keep you comfortable. And while they are essential to the cooling process, some of these have historically been harmful to the planet.

Older cooling agents, such as R-22 (also known as Freon), were phased out because they cause damage to the ozone layer and have since been banned. The replacement, R-410A, was better in that regard, but its global warming potential (GWP) is still quite high.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently phasing down R-410A as part of its AIM Act, which pushes for a national transition to low-GWP refrigerants by reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) due to their high GWP. These chemicals can be hundreds or even thousands of times more detrimental to the climate than carbon dioxide emissions.

That’s why systems produced in 2025 and beyond are moving to these next-generation options: R-454B (also known as Opteon™ XL41 or Puron Advance™) and R-32.

What Are R-454B and R-32?

Both R-454B and R-32 are classified as low-GWP refrigerants, meaning they contribute far less to global warming than R-410A. Here's what you should know:

• R-454B: This tends to be the go-to replacement for R-410A in most new systems in the US. It reduces GWP by up to 78% and is being adopted by major manufacturers across the U.S. R-454B is energy efficient, climate-friendly, and designed for long-term use.

• R-32: Slightly different from R-454B, this cooling agent has been widely used in Europe & Asia and is now gaining popularity in the U.S. R-32 reduces GWP by about 68%, and some manufacturers are now building systems specifically designed for R-32.

Both are considered mildly flammable, but HVAC systems and installation standards are built with rigorous safety measures in place. The licensed technicians at Parker Services are trained to handle these new refrigerants properly and safely!

What If I Still Have an R-410A System?

If your HVAC system is still working well and uses R-410A, there’s no real need to panic or rush to replace it. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. R-410A will become more expensive. As it's phased out, the cost of refilling or repairing systems that use it will likely increase.
2. Parts may become harder to find. Manufacturers are transitioning to new refrigerants, which means support options for older systems will slowly decrease.
3. Efficiency matters now more than ever. New systems using R-454B or R-32 often provide better energy efficiency, resulting in lower monthly bills and better long-term value.

Is Now the Time to Upgrade?

If your AC system is more than 10 years old, needs frequent repairs, or is noticeably inefficient, now is a great time to consider an upgrade. Not only will you benefit from better technology, but you’ll also be investing in a system that meets current environmental regulations and refrigerant standards.

The good news? You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Parker Services, our licensed HVAC professionals stay up-to-date on the latest refrigerant changes and system requirements, so you don’t have to.

Whether you need help understanding what refrigerant your current system uses, want to explore more energy-efficient options, or just need routine maintenance, we’re here to help. Our team will guide you with expert recommendations that match your comfort, budget, and long-term goals. Contact us to learn more, receive a quote, or schedule your HVAC service!

‍

Sources: 

• https://www.consensusdocs.org/news/an-overview-of-the-new-epa-hvac-refrigerant-regulations-and-its-implications-for-the-construction-industry/ 
• https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-07/documents/phasing_out_hcfc_refrigerants_to_protect_the_ozone_layer.pdf 
• https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/frequent-questions-phasedown-hydrofluorocarbons 

https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/background-hfcs-and-aim-act