New R-454B Refrigerant Becomes Standard for Air Conditioners
The air conditioning industry is shifting to the new, more environmentally friendly R-454B refrigerant. This change impacts older systems and highlights the need for new equipment.
San Antonio-based Service First Air Conditioning and Heating is informing consumers about a significant industry change: the transition to R-454B refrigerant. This new substance is replacing the widely used R-410A (often referred to as AC Freon®) with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of air conditioning systems.
R-454B is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) with a global warming potential (GWP) of 466, a substantial decrease from R-410A's GWP of 2088. This shift aligns with mandates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase out high-GWP refrigerants, supporting global sustainability efforts.
The transition to R-454B has implications for homeowners with older R-410A systems. New air conditioning units are now being manufactured to use R-454B. While existing systems can still operate, the availability of R-410A is expected to decline, leading to potential increases in refill costs over time.
Service First AC advises that homeowners with air conditioning units over ten years old may find it more cost-effective to upgrade to a new system designed for R-454B. These newer units are typically more energy-efficient and align with environmental standards. The company offers services for refrigerant management and new system installations to assist customers during this transition.