2025 is here, and that means the transition to 454B refrigerant is underway. But what does that exactly mean for you, especially if your air conditioner currently uses R-410A refrigerant?
If you’ve heard about the switch to 454B but aren’t sure how it affects your home, you’re not alone. This transition is part of an ongoing effort to reduce environmental impact by phasing out older refrigerants that can be harmful to the environment.
We’re here to break it all down so you can stay informed and prepared. Let’s take a closer look at what the 454B transition means for your home and what steps—if any—you might need to take.
Why is R-410A Refrigerant Being Phased Out?
Put simply, R-410A refrigerant is being phased out to help protect the environment. The Environmental Protection (EPA) has been developing new initiatives and regulations to reduce the use of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). R-410A was an improvement over the previously used R-22 refrigerant was an improvement, but still had a relatively high GWP number.
This transition to more environmentally friendly options—like 454B—is designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining effective cooling performance for homes and businesses.
What Does the Transition to 454B Refrigerant Mean for Homeowners?
New Air Conditioners Will Be More Expensive
Because they’ll be manufactured to accommodate the new 454B refrigerant, newer air conditioners must feature more advanced technology and re-engineered internal components. This will naturally lead to an increase in system costs, potentially impacting some homeowners’ ability to upgrade to a newer system.
As the industry fully transitions, costs may stabilize, but in the short term, homeowners should be prepared for higher upfront expenses when purchasing a new system.
Older Systems Might Not be Viable for Retrofitting
For some newer air conditioning systems, it might be possible to retrofit your system and make it compatible with the newer refrigerant. That’s not the case for every current central air conditioner, though.
Many existing R-410A systems won’t be compatible with 454B due to differences in pressure levels and system design. Attempting to retrofit an older unit could lead to inefficiencies, performance issues, and even potential safety risks. Because of these challenges, homeowners with aging AC units may find that a full air conditioning replacement is the better long-term solution.
If your system is already nearing the end of its lifespan or experiencing frequent repairs, upgrading to a new 454B-compatible unit might save you money in the long run.
Replacement Parts for Older ACs Will be More Expensive
As your system ages and internal components start breaking down, it will become increasingly difficult to find replacement parts. This is because manufacturers will naturally shift their focus to producing parts for newer, 454B-compatible systems, leading to a decrease in supply for older R-410A units. With fewer AC replacement parts available, prices will rise, making even minor repairs more expensive than they used to be.
Do I Need to Replace My Current Air Conditioner Immediately?
If you currently have an air conditioner that runs on R-410A refrigerant, rest assured that you don’t have to do anything in the short term. You can continue using your air conditioner, and if it needs repair within the next couple of years, you shouldn’t notice too significant of a price difference.
However, the further we get from the initial transition to 454B refrigerant, the more expensive and harder-to-find R-410A and its compatible replacement parts will become. As manufacturers phase out older refrigerants and shift focus to newer systems, repair costs for R-410A units are likely to rise, and availability may become limited.
If your system is relatively new and running well, there’s no rush to replace it. However, if your AC is nearing the end of its lifespan or has required frequent repairs, now might be a good time to start planning and saving for a new AC installation.
Schebler Installs New Air Conditioners in the Quad Cities
At Schebler Heating and Air, we recognize the importance of the 454B refrigerant transition. It’s a necessary step to take to help protect our environment and ensure that homeowners have access to more efficient, sustainable cooling solutions. As the industry moves forward, we’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you.
We install new air conditioners in the Quad Cities areas to keep you up-to-date on the latest technology while ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable. Whenever the time is right for you to consider an upgrade, we’re here to make the process as easy and seamless as possible for you.
Contact Schebler to Replace Your Air Conditioner in the Quad Cities
The transition to 454B refrigerant is here, and while you don’t have to replace your AC right away, planning ahead can save you time, stress, and money. Whether you’re looking for expert advice, exploring your options, or ready to install a new energy-efficient system, Schebler Heating and Air is here to help.
Give us a call or contact us online for air conditioning installation and replacement services in the Quad Cities area, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island.