The HVAC industry is undergoing a major shift, and it’s all about what’s flowing through the coils of your air conditioner. Starting in 2025, manufacturers will begin phasing out R-410A refrigerant in favor of newer, low-global-warming-potential (GWP) alternatives known as A2L refrigerants. If you’re a homeowner, you may be wondering what this change means for your existing system, your wallet, and the environment.
For our customers in Kelowna, we want to stay on top of the trends and industry changes. It might be fine for air conditioners and heat pumps to rely on R-410A now, but that will change at some point, and we’d like to be your trusted source for information, repairs, and replacements that you might need.
What Are A2L Refrigerants?
A2L refrigerants are a class of refrigerants that are mildly flammable and have low GWP (global warming potential) ratings. The “A2L” classification comes from ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), but here in Canada they might be called by their actual names instead of the broad category of A2L. Instead, we might refer to them as R-32 or R-454B, both of which offer significantly reduced environmental impact while maintaining strong cooling performance.
As of now R32 refridgerant is the more trusted and readily available of the 2 options.
Why Is R-410A Being Replaced?
R-410A was once considered a more environmentally friendly option than its predecessor, R-22, which was phased out due to ozone-depleting potential. However, R-410A has a high global warming potential (GWP)—over 2,000 times greater than CO₂—making it a target for phase-out throughout the world due to global climate initiatives.
To comply with these environmental goals, HVAC manufacturers are moving to refrigerants that are more sustainable, such as A2Ls, which have up to 80% lower GWP than R-410A.
Benefits of A2L Refrigerants
- Environmental Impact: A2L refrigerants like R-32 have a GWP of around 675, while R-454B is even lower at about 466. This translates to a significant reduction in carbon emissions over the lifespan of an HVAC system.
- Efficiency Gains: In many cases, A2L refrigerants offer better energy efficiency than R-410A. That means homeowners can benefit from lower utility bills while using a product that’s more environmentally responsible.
- Future-Proofing: Systems built to use A2L refrigerants are being designed with future regulatory compliance in mind. Upgrading to these systems when replacing old units will help ensure you’re aligned with upcoming efficiency and emissions standards.
What Homeowners Should Expect
While A2Ls are only mildly flammable, special precautions must be taken during installation and servicing. Technicians will need additional training and certification, and systems using A2L refrigerants will include safeguards such as leak detection and proper ventilation.
If you’re replacing your system soon, it’s worth asking your contractor about A2L-compatible units. In some cases, R-410A systems will still be available into 2025 and beyond, but they will gradually become obsolete.