The world of air conditioning is on the brink of a significant change. While most people focus on features like energy efficiency and cooling performance, it’s the refrigerant inside your system that’s undergoing the biggest transformation. Starting in 2025, new environmental regulations will phase out older refrigerants in favour of greener alternatives. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business operator, these changes will impact installation, servicing, and long-term maintenance costs. Understanding what’s coming is vital especially if you’re planning a system upgrade or managing an existing unit. Let’s explore how this shift will affect cooling systems across the UK.
Why the Industry Is Moving Away from Traditional Refrigerants
Refrigerants are the core working fluids in air conditioning systems, allowing them to remove heat from indoor environments. Many conventional refrigerants still in use today have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), making them significant contributors to climate change
Among them is R-410A, the current industry standard, which is set to be phased out starting in 2025 due to its significant environmental impact. R-410A replaced older options like R-22, but it still contains hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are not ozone-depleting but are potent greenhouse gases.
With increasing pressure from global environmental agreements like the Kigali Amendment and stricter UK legislation, the push for low-GWP refrigerants is accelerating across all sectors.
Refrigerants Being Phased Out and the Timeline
The refrigerants set for phase-out in 2025 include some of the most commonly used types in both domestic and commercial air conditioning systems. Here’s a look at the main refrigerants and their current status:
| Refrigerant | Common Usage | GWP | Status |
| R-22 | Pre-2010 Systems | 1810 | Banned since 2010 |
| R-410A | Standard Until 2025 | 2088 | Phased out from 2025 |
| R-32 | Newer Installations | 675 | Approved and widely used |
R-22 has already been banned for over a decade, and R-410A is the next in line. After 2025, systems using R-410A can still operate, but sourcing the refrigerant and parts will become more expensive and limited.
Low-GWP Refrigerant Alternatives
To fill the gap left by older refrigerants, several new options are entering the market. These alternatives offer better performance, greater efficiency, and significantly lower GWP scores.
R-32: The Popular Choice for Residential Units
R-32 is gaining traction in newer home systems. It’s efficient, requires less refrigerant per unit, and is easier to recycle. Though it is mildly flammable, the risk is manageable when installed by trained professionals.
Advantages of R-32:
- Lower GWP of 675
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced refrigerant charge by up to 30%
R-454B and R-466A: For Larger Systems
These refrigerants are designed for more complex applications, especially in commercial air conditioning environments. With even lower GWP values (under 500), they represent the future of industrial and commercial HVAC technology.
However, due to their mild flammability and system compatibility requirements, businesses must ensure that installations are done by certified engineers following F-Gas regulations.
What It Means for Homeowners
For homeowners, the 2025 phase-out means you’ll need to be more aware of what refrigerant your current or future system uses. If your unit still runs on R-410A, it won’t become obsolete immediately, but maintenance may become costlier as availability decreases.
Practical Steps:
- Check Your System: Identify the refrigerant your AC unit uses.
- Schedule Servicing: Regular checks can catch inefficiencies and refrigerant issues early.
- Plan Upgrades: If your system is over 10 years old, replacing it with one that uses R-32 may save you more in the long term.
This is especially relevant for air conditioning London homeowners, where summer temperatures can strain older units, leading to breakdowns at the worst possible times.
Business Impact: Prepare Commercial Systems Now
For businesses, refrigerant changes are even more pressing. Commercial air conditioning systems typically involve higher usage, longer run times, and greater cooling demands. Waiting until a system breaks down or becomes non-compliant could mean significant operational downtime.
Key Considerations for Businesses:
- Refrigerant Audits: Know what’s in your systems and when it needs to change.
- Budget for Upgrades: Phased replacements are more cost-effective than emergency overhauls.
- Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance can lead to fines or service restrictions.
It’s not just about regulation it’s also about cost control. Systems using low-GWP refrigerants are often more efficient, meaning lower long-term energy bills.
Costs: What Should You Expect?
The short-term costs of switching to systems with new refrigerants might be slightly higher due to modern equipment and training needs. However, these initial expenses are balanced out by the long-term advantages:
- Reduced Energy Bills: Thanks to better efficiency
- Lower Environmental Levies: Avoid fines or taxes related to high-GWP refrigerants
- Improved Resale Value: A newer, compliant AC system adds property value
Older systems using phased-out refrigerants will also see increasing service and refill costs, making planned upgrades a smarter financial move.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regardless of what refrigerant your system uses, routine servicing is more important now than ever. Annual maintenance ensures your air conditioning is functioning efficiently and safely, while also staying within regulatory bounds.
Servicing Checklist:
- Verify refrigerant levels and check for leaks
- Inspect and clean coils, filters, and drain lines
- Ensure components are compatible with any planned upgrades
- Schedule service with an F-Gas certified technician
In particular, homes and businesses with air conditioning London systems will benefit from pre-season check-ups to avoid summer breakdowns during peak usage.
Environmental Benefits: More Than Just Compliance
While the refrigerant shift is driven by regulation, the environmental impact is significant. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that switching to low-GWP refrigerants and efficient cooling systems could reduce global carbon emissions by over 460 million tonnes annually by 2050.
Beyond emissions, energy-efficient systems also reduce electricity demand, helping the UK transition to a more sustainable power grid. In this way, upgrading your air conditioning system contributes to both a healthier home and a healthier planet.
Conclusion
The refrigerant changes coming in 2025 are part of a global shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly cooling solutions. These updates will impact how both homeowners and business operators service, upgrade, and manage their air conditioning systems. For residents and facility managers in London, staying ahead means planning early and seeking professional guidance. At Hamilton Air Conditioning Ltd, we specialize in air conditioning services that ensure your system remains efficient, compliant, and cost-effective. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a complete system overhaul, taking action now will guarantee long-term comfort, compliance, and energy savings for years to come.
