R-410A Is Out, R-454B Is In – Here’s What You Need to Know

Another big shift is happening in the HVAC world that you need to be aware of. As of January 2025 the HVAC industry began phasing out R-410A refrigerant in A/C units and is switching to R-454B.

Didn’t this just happen with R-22?

Yes. The HVAC industry just completed the transition from R-22 to R-410A in 2020, and now they’re doing it again.

Why? Simply put, R-454B was chosen as a replacement to R-410A because it offers similar cooling performance but is about 4 times more environmentally friendly from an ozone and global warming standpoint.

Here’s what this means for you and your clients:

- Older A/C Systems: If a home has an HVAC unit with R-410A, it will still work - but servicing it will get pricier as the refrigerant becomes less available.

- Newer A/C Systems: After 2025, all new units will use R-454B, which isn’t compatible with older systems. That means replacing just part of an HVAC system won’t always be an option.

- For Buyers & Sellers: If a home’s A/C is 10+ years old, it’s worth checking the refrigerant type and planning ahead for potential costs.

Fortunately this phase out will be less abrupt than the R-22 phase out, but it’s good to be aware of so you can make informed decisions over the coming years.

Pre-listing tips to avoid inspection limitations this winter

It’s hard to believe, but the first frost is approaching and the cooling temperatures mean that inspections will be somewhat limited due to seasonal factors. Specifically these 3 common cold weather limitations:

1. A/C units cannot be operated in temperatures below 65 degrees F. This is an industry standard limitation that prevents risking damage to the components due to the viscosity of the oil in the compressor.

2. Snow covered roofs and exterior surfaces cannot be visually inspected (self explanatory)

3. Landscape irrigation systems and exterior hose bibs are winterized and cannot be tested. Inspection of the landscape irrigation systems is beyond the scope of a home inspection, but confirmation of these systems operating is often something that a buyer wants to check and cannot in the winter.

If you know that you have a listing coming up between now and late spring, here are some tips to help you prepare for a smooth inspection process. We all know that buyers hate inspection limitations and you can help put their mind at ease with these simple steps.

1. Have the A/C unit professionally serviced by an HVAC technician with a written report confirming operation on that date. Make sure to schedule this prior to sub 65 degree days if possible as HVAC technicians are also limited by the temperature restriction.

2. Have the roof pre-inspected by a reputable roofing contractor with a photo report generated showing the condition of the roof on that date. Unless there are major storms between that inspection date and the buyer's inspection date, the chances of unforeseen damages are low.

3. Confirm operation of the landscape irrigation system before it’s winterized. This is something that your seller can even do on their own with photo evidence.

We don’t always have the luxury of foresight, but this is one time you can as long as you have enough lead time on the listing. Your sellers, the buyers and the inspector will all be impressed!