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.