The HVACR industry is on the cusp of a significant shift with the refrigerant transition from R-410A to R-32 or R-454B.  This transformation takes effect in 2025, reflecting the impact of new environmental regulations and a growing demand for more sustainable solutions. Tim Brizendine, Vice President of Product Management at Lennox Residential HVAC, offers his expert insights on specific aspects of the transition, including the impact of installation and training practices for dealers, the differences between the new refrigerants and R-410A, changes in service tools, financial implications for dealers, and the timeline for the introduction of compliant products.

Questions

1.    How will the refrigerant transition impact installation and training practices for dealers? 

Unlike previous refrigerant transitions, the shift from R-410A to either R-32 or R-454B will be far less nuanced. It will not involve the same complications dealers faced with past transitions, like flush line sets or the need to confirm oil incompatibilities from the previous refrigerant to the new refrigerant. With the two new refrigerants being introduced in 2025, we will actually see a lot of similarities to R-410A, making practices used today very similar moving forward. 

2.    How are the two new refrigerants, R-32 and R-454B, different from R-410A?

One of the key differences is that R-32 and R-454B are slightly more flammable refrigerants than R-410A. HVAC OEMs, including Lennox, are proactively addressing this and installing refrigerant detection systems in their products that can sense refrigerant leaks and ensure that dealers are aware of any system maintenance that needs to be addressed, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

Lennox has selected R-454B as their refrigerant of choice due to its ability to support the life expectancy and durability expected of a system, compatibility with existing product components and applications, as well as its ability to efficiently cool and heat a home in extreme weather conditions.

3.    Will dealers need to make any changes to the tools they are using to service HVAC equipment?

Due to R-32 and R-454B being slightly more flammable, it is important that tools like vacuum pumps and recovery machines are listed for use by an A2L. Gauges will not have the same requirement.

4.    How will dealers be financially impacted by the refrigerant transition? 

Although exact costs may vary across manufacturers, dealers should expect prices to be higher for units that are 2025 refrigerant compliant compared to units that use R-410A. With compliant refrigerant costs still fluctuating and the additions of new sensors and controls to products, the cost of full systems is expected to increase, and the industry will have a clearer picture on the average cost increase as HVAC OEMs continue to release their 2025 refrigerant transition-compliant lines.

5.    When will dealers start to see 2025 refrigerant transition-compliant products from HVAC manufacturers?

Product lineup and availability will depend on each OEM, but you can expect to see most products hit the market this summer, ahead of the transition on Jan. 1, 2025. 

Lennox has been actively preparing for the refrigerant transition for years and carefully considering how to make installation and maintenance for dealers as easy as possible while continuing to provide perfect air for homeowners. When designing their refrigerant detection system, which will be installed in the Lennox R-454B product line, factors like dust and humidity were considered in the design, allowing less maintenance and ease of installation for dealers. 

6.    What are the best ways dealers can prepare for the 2025 refrigerant transition?

Dealers should ensure they have completed training and understand the difference between R-410A and the new 2025 compliant refrigerants. Refrigerant-focused training materials can be found through LennoxPros.com, ESCO Institute and AHRI.

In addition, dealers should consider their inventory and make sure they have the right product mix on hand to meet future demand in their local market. This includes having a strategy on whether they want to stock up on R-410A products now and convert to new refrigerant systems later on or if they’re going to proactively convert to new compliant systems. This decision should be based on the unique needs of each dealer's business and their strategy for growth.

7.    Looking forward, how can we expect low HFC refrigerants to impact the HVAC industry?

According to the EPA’s guidelines, the next refrigerant transition is expected to take place in 2034.

With environmental sustainability becoming a growing priority across the country, many states are creating their own regulations on low GWP refrigerants. Lennox is involved on a local level to help make the transition as feasible as possible for distributors, dealers and homeowners.

The upcoming refrigerant transition from R-410A to R-32 and R-454B in 2025 is expected to be smoother than previous transitions, with fewer complications in installation and training for HVAC dealers. These new refrigerants, while slightly more flammable, will be supported by advanced detection systems to ensure safety and ease of maintenance. Financial impacts are anticipated, with higher costs for new refrigerant-compliant units due to the inclusion of additional sensors and controls. Dealers should prepare by undergoing relevant training, managing their inventory strategically, and staying informed about evolving regulations. Lennox, favoring R-454B for its efficiency and durability, is leading efforts to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining optimal performance and environmental sustainability.

Tim Brizendine is Vice President of Product Management, Lennox Residential HVAC.