{"id":1626,"date":"2024-12-18T17:00:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T22:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lentheplumber.com\/philadelphia-area\/?p=1626"},"modified":"2025-09-16T11:00:26","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T15:00:26","slug":"2025-changes-to-freon-requirements-for-pennsylvania-delaware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lentheplumber.com\/philadelphia-area\/blog\/2025-changes-to-freon-requirements-for-pennsylvania-delaware\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Freon Mandate Change & What It Means for Pennsylvania & Delaware Residents"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"New<\/a>There have been a few refrigerant mandates over the last decade, including the phase-out of R-22 and now R-410A. Here\u2019s what this Freon mandate means for Pennsylvania and Delaware homeowners:<\/p>\n

Starting in 2025, the EPA will enforce a new limit on the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants used in air conditioning, capping it at 750. Since R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, it will no longer be available for use in new equipment.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll outline this change, discuss R-454B, the primary refrigerant replacing R-410A, and its impact on home HVAC systems.<\/p>\n

Which HVAC Systems Use Refrigerant?<\/h2>\n

Air conditioners<\/a>, ductless mini-splits<\/a>, and heat pumps<\/a> all use refrigerant to transfer heat \u2014 either absorbing it from indoor air to cool your home or releasing it to provide heating.<\/p>\n

Starting in 2025, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 will drive significant changes in refrigerant use. Under this act, the EPA will be required to phase out 85% of R-410A production and consumption by 2035.<\/p>\n

Outdated vs. New Refrigerants<\/h2>\n

While A1 refrigerants, like R-410A, are non-toxic, they have a higher flammability risk.<\/p>\n

R-454B, classified as an A2L refrigerant, has a lower flammability rating and is less likely to pose a risk of leaks since it\u2019s been extensively tested for safety under pressure.<\/p>\n

R-22<\/h3>\n

For decades, many home cooling systems have relied on a refrigerant called R-22, or Freon, to cool and regulate air.<\/p>\n

While it was once the go-to refrigerant, concerns about its environmental impact \u2014 specifically its role in ozone layer depletion \u2014 led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin phasing it out in 2010.<\/p>\n

R-410A<\/h3>\n

R-22 was gradually replaced by R-410A, a more eco-friendly refrigerant. Now, R-410A is facing similar scrutiny due to its high global warming potential (GWP) as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).<\/p>\n

R-454B<\/h3>\n

Starting in 2025, R-454B will be the primary refrigerant for HVAC systems. It has a GWP of 466, making it a more sustainable option than R-410A. A2L refrigerants, including R-454B, will be the new standard moving forward.<\/p>\n

How Are Homeowners Impacted by the Refrigerant Change?<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t have to replace your system immediately. However, you should if your system is nearing the end of its service life.<\/p>\n

The EPA\u2019s refrigerant transition in 2025 may result in higher upfront costs. However, its benefits can\u2019t be overlooked. New refrigerants like R-454B include benefits such as:<\/p>\n