Learn More About The R-410A Phase Out

R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant widely used in commercial and industrial air conditioning systems. While it has been a reliable choice for cooling, R-410A has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2,088, meaning it contributes significantly to climate change.

The decision to phase out R-410A is part of a global effort to reduce the environmental impact of HFCs. Agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment have driven worldwide actions to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. In the U.S., the American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate HFCs, including R-410A.

What Will Replace R-410A?

R-32 and R-454B refrigerants are slated to begin replacing R410A in U.S. HVAC equipment starting 2023. Here’s what you need to know about R-32 and R-454B:

R-32

• Zero Ozone Depletion 
• 1/3 GWP of HFC 410A 
• Superior energy efficiency 
• High refrigeration capacity & thermal conductivity 
• Low pressure drop 
• Single component refrigerant easy to handle and recover
• Low toxicity 
• Readily available (R32 is used in the manufacture of R410A which is a blend of 50% R32 & 50% R125
• R-32 is currently used with other refrigerant gasses to make R-410a. R-410a is the current refrigerant choice for all manufacturers of HVAC equipment (Until January 1, 2023)

Note: R-32 is technically listed as flammable. Studies have shown, however, that the conditions needed to ignite R-32 are so specific and extremely unlikely to exist and as such it is not something concerning in the vast majority of residential or commercial applications. 

R-454B

• Higher efficiency for heating than R-32
• Requires less refrigerant by 5-10% than equipment using R-410a uses
• R-454B has a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) at 465-GWP than does R-32 at 675-GWP
• The close operating pressures and temperatures of R-454B when compared with R-410a allows manufacturers to build equipment using parameters that are very close to that of equipment that uses R-410a

Note: R-454B is technically listed as flammable much like R-32, although to a lesser degree. Studies have shown, however, that the conditions needed to ignite R-454B are likewise so specific and extremely unlikely to exist and as such it is not something concerning in the vast majority of residential or commercial applications.