The world of HVAC is cooling down—environmentally speaking!
In an effort to combat global warming, a major refrigerant shift in 2025 is set to reshape how we manage indoor comfort. Whether you own a commercial property or oversee building systems, these changes are essential to understand because they affect your HVAC equipment.
Starting in 2025, the way we cool and heat our buildings will become more environmentally conscious, with changes aimed at reducing the climate impact of refrigerants. But what does that mean for you, and why is it happening?
What Are Refrigerants?
Refrigerants are the lifeblood of HVAC systems, responsible for transferring heat to create the cool, comfortable environments we rely on. Over the decades, various refrigerants have been used in commercial systems, but not all refrigerants are created equal. Many older refrigerants have contributed significantly to environmental issues like ozone layer depletion and global warming.
The Numbers: How Do Refrigerants Impact the Planet?
- R-22: Phased out for new systems in 2010, this refrigerant has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.05 and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1,810. By comparison, CO₂’s GWP is 1, meaning R-22 traps heat 1,810 times more effectively than carbon dioxide.
- R-410A: Introduced as a replacement for R-22, R-410A eliminated ozone depletion but came with a GWP of 2,088—an even greater contribution to global warming.
- R-454B: One of the new refrigerants leading the 2025 transition, R-454B has a GWP of just 466, representing a 78% reduction compared to R-410A.
- R-32: Another low-GWP refrigerant, R-32 has a GWP of 677—67% lower than R-410A—and operates at higher efficiency, making it another leading option for future systems.
Why Are Refrigerants Changing?
The transition is driven by global efforts to combat climate change. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, initiated the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances like R-22. More recently, the Kigali Amendment and the U.S. AIM Act have targeted high-GWP refrigerants, aiming to reduce their production and use by 85% by 2036.
These efforts are designed to mitigate the nearly 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions attributed to refrigerants.
What’s Changing in 2025?
On January 1, 2025, HVAC manufacturers in the U.S. will switch to producing equipment that uses low-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32. This transition will impact:
- Equipment Availability: New systems will no longer be designed for R-410A.
- Servicing Older Units: While R-410A will still be available for servicing older systems, its production will decrease, likely driving up costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Commercial properties will need to ensure their systems align with updated environmental standards to avoid fines or penalties.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The adoption of low-GWP refrigerants offers three significant benefits:
Benefit #1: Lower Carbon Footprint
R-454B reduces the direct climate impact of refrigerants by up to 80%.
Benefit #2: Improved Efficiency
Studies suggest that systems using R-454B can achieve up to 5% better energy efficiency compared to R-410A systems, translating to lower utility bills.
Benefit #3: Cost Savings Over Time
While upfront costs may rise, the improved efficiency and longer service life of newer systems offset these expenses in the long run.
Case Study: The Benefits in Action
Consider a 100,000-square-foot commercial building in South Jersey with an older R-410A HVAC system:
- Current Costs: Operating at 80% efficiency with rising refrigerant prices.
- Upgraded System: Switching to a system using R-454B improves efficiency by 5%, saving approximately $5,000 annually in energy costs.
- Environmental Impact: The new system prevents the equivalent of 50 metric tons of CO₂ emissions over its lifespan—a significant reduction.
What Should Property Owners Do Now?
To prepare for the transition, consider these steps:
- Assess Current Systems: Schedule an HVAC evaluation with Elite Heating and Air Conditioning to determine the age and efficiency of your equipment.
- Plan for Replacement: If your systems are nearing the end of their lifespan, budget for upgrades to avoid paying premium prices for outdated refrigerants or equipment.
- Choose the Right Partner: Work with Elite Heating and Air Conditioning. For more than a quarter of a century, we’ve been the regional expert in commercial HVAC provider familiar with the 2025 refrigerant changes to ensure your systems meet future standards.
- Stay Proactive: Monitor refrigerant prices and availability to make cost-effective decisions for system servicing or replacement. Call Elite for a consultation!
A Greener Future for South Jersey
The 2025 refrigerant transition is more than just an industry change—it’s a step toward a more sustainable future. By upgrading to eco-friendly HVAC systems, South Jersey property owners can reduce their environmental footprint, cut energy costs, and contribute to global climate efforts.
Ready to make the switch? Contact us today to explore your options and keep your building ahead of the curve and in line with all regulations.
No Excuses. Just Results!
