Are you aware of the new HVAC refrigerant in 2025? Beginning January 1, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will implement its new rules regarding air conditioning refrigerants. The purpose is to switch to eco-friendly refrigerants and phase out the old ones because of concerns about global warming potential.
Kight’s Quality Air, Westfield’s air conditioning company, is here to help you with the upcoming refrigerant transition in Westfield, IN. Keep reading to learn why the EPA made this decision and how you should prepare for it.
New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025 Is Safer
The new HVAC refrigerants that air conditioners must start using in 2025 are much safer than the R-410A (Puron) we use now. The new refrigerants are R-454B and R-32, each carrying lower global warming potential (GWP) ratings. Using them means you’ll have a lower carbon footprint when cooling your home in Westfield, IN.
Refrigerants are classified by their flammability ratings. The new refrigerants in 2025 are A2Ls, placing them fairly low on the scale. Some people may hesitate to switch to the new ones because Puron is an A1, meaning it is nonflammable. However, A2Ls are incredibly difficult to ignite, and a flame will only burn while actively exposed to the heat source.
Leaks Won’t Require Replacing the New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025
If you choose an air conditioner system with the new R-454B, you won’t have to replace the entire refrigerant whenever you get a leak. It’s technically a zeotrope, which means the contents boil at several temperatures, unlike water, which has to reach a specific temperature.
The range of boiling temperatures is known as the glide, and since the glide is such a small range of one degree Fahrenheit, the HVAC technician can top off the refrigerant without replacing the entire unit. This should make repairing leaks much easier and faster.
The New Refrigerants Are Eco-Friendly But Have Downsides
The new HVAC refrigerant in 2025 brings us many positives that eco-conscious homeowners should look forward to, such as:
- Better HVAC efficiency standards
- Lower energy costs
- Lower GWP to help the environment
- Technicians don’t have to take a new EPA exam
- Replacing your air conditioner with a new model will last a long time
Despite all the positives, there are a couple of major downsides we can’t avoid.
Old Systems in Westfield, IN, Can’t Use New Refrigerants
The refrigerant mandate in 2025 is good in terms of environmental regulations, but it’s a nuisance for homeowners. With the evolution of refrigerants comes new ways of doing things, which makes new parts incompatible with old systems. It will be dangerous to try to fit new parts into old systems, so unless your technician has a way to retrofit the refrigerant into your aging system safely, you shouldn’t try it.
Anticipate Higher Prices and Longer Wait Times
Replacing your old system the next time you have a refrigerant leak is almost inevitable. You may be able to keep using what you’re using right now, but as soon as production halts, the soon-to-be-banned products will become harder to find and more expensive.
Unless you replaced your air conditioner very recently, upgrading your system to one that uses the new HVAC refrigerant in 2025 will save you money over time.
Since the switch has a specific date, expect increased wait times for refrigerant and air conditioner system availability. HVAC companies will likely be scrambling to get their new equipment and parts in stock, so you’ll have to wait until they have them. You can also expect a 30% cost increase on new systems since manufacturers have had to create new designs and parts for the upgraded technology.
How To Prepare for New HVAC Refrigerant in 2025
Prepare for the new HVAC refrigerant in 2025 in Westfield, IN, by scheduling an HVAC inspection as soon as possible in 2024. Ask your technician whether you should replace your system before the new mandate goes into effect or wait until the system breaks down.
Replacing your unit in 2024 means you’ll have to pay more for refrigerant later, especially if the unit lasts over a decade. However, you’ll avoid the anticipated wait times and high prices coming with the new mandate.
Call Kight’s Quality Air in Westfield, IN
As the deadline for the new HVAC refrigerant in 2025 fast approaches, call Kight’s Quality Air for cooling and heating services. We’ll inspect your HVAC system to help you navigate the new EPA rules so you can decide how to make the change. Contact us today to schedule.