The HVAC industry is in the midst of a major transition when it comes to refrigerants. Starting in 2025, many manufacturers are phasing out R-410A in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives like R-454B and R-32. These changes are being driven by the Environmental Protection Agency’s AIM Act and global efforts to reduce the use of high global warming potential (GWP) substances.
R-410A, a popular refrigerant used for over a decade, has a relatively high GWP. In contrast, R-454B and R-32 offer similar cooling performance with significantly lower environmental impact. R-454B has a GWP of around 466, while R-32’s GWP is approximately 675—both a considerable improvement over R-410A’s 2,088.
So what does this mean for homeowners and business owners in Rhode Island? If you’re planning to upgrade or replace your HVAC system, it’s important to be aware that many of the new models released in 2025 and beyond will be designed to use these new refrigerants. Older systems using R-410A will still be serviceable for the time being, but supplies of R-410A will eventually become more limited and expensive.
At McKee Energy Services, we’re prepared for the transition. Our technicians are fully trained to install and maintain systems that use R-454B and R-32, ensuring safety, compliance, and optimal performance. We can help you make an informed choice about whether to upgrade now or plan ahead for a future system change.
If you want to stay ahead of HVAC regulations and reduce your environmental footprint, 2025 is the time to start learning about—and planning for—these refrigerant changes.