New EPA and Washington State Refrigerant Regulations

Homeowners in Washington State who use air conditioners need to know about the latest refrigerant regulations, which are set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

New laws introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Washington State will significantly affect the HVAC industry. These regulations mainly target R-410A refrigerant, which is being phased out due to its high global warming potential (GWP). Therefore, the production, import, and distribution of R-410A will become illegal.

Repairing any AC unit that uses R-410A will become more expensive. The cost of purchasing compliant machines will also increase. We’ll explain the reasoning behind the new law, the latest options, and how to determine if now is the best time for an upgrade.

What’s Behind Washington’s New Stance on Refrigerant

Legislators in WA have been looking to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems. At first, R-410A was an ideal alternative to R-22. It enabled efficiency improvements and was more eco-friendly. However, it didn’t go far enough. While it doesn’t damage the ozone layer, R-410A is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), meaning it’s a greenhouse gas that can contribute to climate change. In 2022, the EPA introduced a phase-out of the substance starting January 1, 2025.

The New Refrigerant

The newest refrigerant, R-454B, is being adopted by many top brands, including Carrier, Mitsubishi Electric, and Johnson Controls. It consists of tetrafluoropropene and difluoromethane, otherwise known as R-32. If you have any concerns about the performance and safety of the new refrigerant, it has been successfully used by Carrier in residential and light commercial refrigeration applications since 2018.

The Benefits of R-454B

The EPA has amended the Clean Air Act to replace harmful refrigerants with more eco-friendly alternatives. It has also established limits on HVAC equipment manufactured after specific dates and introduced new certification and training requirements for technicians. Even though the EPA hasn’t mandated a specific type of refrigerant, R-454B is a beneficial choice for the following reasons:

Lower GWP

The GWP of R-454B is 466 compared to R-410, which has a GWP of 2,000+. That’s a 78% reduction in global warming potential, so R-454B has much less of an environmental impact. 

Non-Toxic

The refrigerant is safe for technicians to work with, whether indoors or outdoors, with no concern about breathing in harmful fumes as they install and maintain HVAC equipment. Homeowners also won’t be harmed by exposure to the refrigerant if a leak occurs.

High-Efficiency

R-454B is more efficient than R-410A. It represents an improvement in coolant technology and operates at colder temperatures, allowing HVAC equipment to perform more consistently.

Versatility

R-454B can be used in ducted split systems, packaged terminal air conditioners, ductless mini-split systems, heat pumps, window ACs, and positive displacement HVAC equipment.

How Homeowners Will Be Affected

If your air conditioning system is working normally and doesn’t require repairs, the new regulations may not affect you, at least immediately. However, weighing these considerations can help you save in the long run:

New Air Conditioners Will Become More Expensive

The new regulations are forcing air conditioner manufacturers to modify their production processes. The costs of doing so will be passed down to consumers in the form of higher equipment prices. Buying a new system before the new laws go into effect can help you save.

Maintenance and Repair Costs Will Go Up

If your AC uses a non-compliant refrigerant, finding parts for it will become more difficult. Older refrigerants will also become harder to find. Any remaining supplies will be increasingly expensive to obtain. Replacing your old unit avoids these costs and saves on your energy bills because of how efficient newer models are.

Why You Need to Transition to a New HVAC Unit 

Switching to some refrigerants is possible by retrofitting an older air conditioning system. However, this isn’t possible when converting from R-410A to R-454B. An AC replacement is necessary but most HVAC technicians are familiar with equipment that uses these and other refrigerants. 

An AC unit that uses R-454B also has other benefits. Some models contain protected electronic parts, reducing the risk of short-circuiting and making them safer to service. Depending on the unit, it may have advanced fan settings for improved control or integrated leak detection that lets a technician identify and repair a leak more quickly.

FAQs

Is R-454B Easy to Find?

It’s becoming more readily available as regulations have shifted. Contact your local HVAC company about the availability of this or other refrigerants they recommend.

Is R-454B The Only New Refrigerant Option?

As an alternative, you can install a system that uses R-32 refrigerant or difluoromethane. It’s a balanced coolant that contributes to energy efficiency and improved performance. This refrigerant also helps protect the environment.

Will My Existing HVAC Unit Be Illegal?

You can still use your current AC system. However, parts may become scarce and maintenance costs will increase. The most noticeable issue is if you need a refrigerant recharge, the cost of finding R-410A will increase significantly. Therefore, replacing the system with a compliant one can save you in the future.

What Other New Refrigerant Regulations in Washington Should I Know About?

The EPA has introduced several new changes. Aside from phasing out high-GWP refrigerants, the new regulations include the following updates:

• HVAC leaks must be repaired when a leak exceeds a certain threshold.
• Environmentally friendly leak detection and repair practices are required.
• Only certified service professionals can purchase or handle refrigerants.
• Maintenance technicians must keep proper records, recover released refrigerants, and verify no leaks are present.
• The EPA will require more frequent inspections and audits and enforce strict fines and penalties for non-compliance.

When Should I Schedule AC Maintenance or Repair?

You should schedule an inspection and tune-up every year. The new EPA regulations should have you considering when to replace the system, but you must have your HVAC system checked if any of the following signs are present:

• Warm air from your AC
• Cold air from your furnace
• Short-cycling
• Reduced airflow
• Increased humidity
• Loud, unusual noises
• Foul odors
• Water leaks
• Higher energy bills

Contact Kliemann Brothers Today

We provide professional and friendly HVAC services in Tacoma, WA, and surrounding areas. In business since 1998, we have installed, repaired, and maintained air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless systems and their components. Special offers and financing are available to help you budget for a much-needed upgrade. If it’s time for an HVAC upgrade that complies with new refrigerant regulations, book an appointment now or call (253) 201-8498.