A new refrigerant will replace R-410a, which can harm the environment if it leaks from an air-conditioning system. R-410 also contributes to global warming. The change is effective Jan. 2, 2023.

The new refrigerant, R-454b, has less global warming potential. However, it is mildly flammable, another reason people should follow the law and allow only a licensed technician to handle refrigerant for their homes and businesses.

Federal and state agencies and the AC industry have been working for years to find more environmentally friendly refrigerants and other products.

Contractors can continue to use R-410a for equipment repairs, but the refrigerant eventually will be phased out. R-410a cannot be used in any new heat pumps or AC systems as of Jan. 1, 2023.

R-410a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). It’s a target of the The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is reducing the manufacture and importation of HFCs by 85 percent over the next 15 years.

Premier technicians are trained and licensed to safely deal with refrigerants.