Get Up to Speed on EPA Refrigerant Requirements
Recent EPA regulations are changing the types of refrigerants permitted inside heating and cooling systems. To better inform you about this change and its wide impact, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
- What is Changing?
- What is Global Warming Potential (GWP)?
- Which Refrigerants are Allowed?
- Will Retired Refrigerants Be Available for Repairing Existing Equipment?
- Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC Equipment?
- Can the New Refrigerants Be Used in Existing Equipment?
- How Will the Change Impact Consumers?
- Are there Flammability Concerns with the New Refrigerants?
- What is the Difference Between R-454B and R-32 Refrigerants?
- How Will Handling and Installing the New HVAC Refrigerants Be Different?
- Will Installers Need to Invest in New Tools?
What is Changing?
The EPA has ruled that refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) rating of more than 700 will be phased out. The GWP measures the impact a gas has on warming the planet. Notably, beginning on January 1, 2025, residential HVAC equipment designed for R-410A refrigerant can no longer be manufactured.
What is Global Warming Potential (GWP)?
GWP is a measure of the impact a gas has on warming the planet relative to carbon dioxide. For examples, a gas with a GWP of 700 has 700 times the warming potential as the same quantity of carbon dioxide.
Which Refrigerants are Allowed?
Most manufacturers are adopting R-454B or R-32 refrigerants to comply with the regulations. These are commonly referred to as A2L refrigerants, referencing their low flammability. In the future, other refrigerants meeting the maximum 700 GWP rating may be used.
Will Retired Refrigerants Be Available for Repairing Existing Equipment?
Yes, refrigerants such as R-410A and R-22, will still be available in reclaimed form for the foreseeable future to repair equipment purchased before the changeover date.
Do I Need to Replace My Existing HVAC Equipment?
No, this new standard only impacts equipment manufactured after January 1, 2025. If you have older equipment, you can continue using it for the duration of its life.
Can the New Refrigerants Be Used in Existing Equipment?
No. Equipment designed for use with R-410A or R-22 cannot accommodate R-454B or R-32 refrigerant. For this reason, manufacturers have been updating the design of their equipment since the new regulations were announced.
How Will the Change Impact Consumers?
Once the changeover is complete, the price of new HVAC equipment could rise around 10% due to necessary design changes. For those looking to save, it may make sense to purchase current equipment while it’s still available.
Are there Flammability Concerns with the New Refrigerants?
Both R-454B and R-32 refrigerants are designated as A2L refrigerants, meaning they have a low flammability potential. This is a concern for some because previous refrigerants were non-flammable. Nevertheless, both are perfectly safe if basic precautions and industry guidelines are followed. Flammable refrigerants, including R-32, are already commonly and safely used in equipment like window air conditioners and refrigerators and in automotive air conditioning systems.
What is the Difference Between R-454B and R-32 Refrigerants?
Although different HVAC equipment manufacturers prefer either R-454B or R-32 for varying reasons and have redesigned their systems accordingly, both refrigerants satisfy the new industry regulations. Here are some key differences.
| R-32 | R-454B |
|---|---|
| 675 GWP | 466 GWP |
| Single-component refrigerant simplifies reclamation and recycling while lowering production costs  | Blended refrigerant |
| Liquid or gas phase charging is possible | Lower discharge temperatures that are closer to those of R-410A |
How Will Handling and Installing the New HVAC Refrigerants Be Different?
When working with equipment using the new A2L refrigerants, all existing best practices will still apply. Since the new refrigerants are mildly flammable, however, contractors will need to take a few extra steps to ensure safe installation.
Units designed for use with A2L refrigerants may have new restrictions regarding the installation location, especially in enclosed spaces. The units may also include leak mitigation sensors and other safety devices. Installers will need to familiarize themselves with these new requirements and safety devices.
The charging process, including temperatures and pressures, will also change. Manufacturers will specify a maximum allowable charge that may vary by application. Furthermore, installers commissioning units using A2L refrigerants will need to record data points like charge, test pressure, and evacuation levels on the unit and share them with the equipment manufacturer.
Refrigerant recovery cylinders for A2L refrigerants will include a red stripe to differentiate them from cylinders used for non-flammable A1 refrigerants. They will also include a pressure relief valve that closes automatically after venting excess pressure.
Will Installers Need to Invest in New Tools?
Technicians will need spark-free tools to reduce the chance of igniting the new refrigerant. This will mostly apply to:
- Gauges & manifolds
- Recovery machines
- Vacuum pumps
- Leak detectors
Existing non-electronic scales and hand tools will still be fine to use on the new equipment.
