Starting January 1, 2025, new regulations will ban the manufacturing of HVAC systems using R410A refrigerant, leading to anticipated price increases and changes in equipment availability. In this article, we’ll explain the changes that are happening and list the impacts they may have on HVAC service visits to your home.
An overview of the new HVAC refrigerant changes
The push for these new regulations stems from the growing recognition of climate change and the need for more sustainable practices across all industries. Current refrigerants include R410A, which has a high global warming potential (GWP) and contributes significantly to global warming. The shift to refrigerants like R454B aims to mitigate these effects and promote environmental responsibility. R454B refrigerants are part of a category of refrigerants called A2L, which are discussed in more detail in the video below.
This video is from the ESCO Institute and shows experiments with different levels of flammable refrigerants that are used in the industry today including A2L refrigerants. We’ve included this video to help you understand more about the different ratings of flammability for refrigerants in HVAC systems.
The next video shown below discusses the history of HVAC refrigerants and how we arrived at this refrigerant transition. The video also talks about the Kigali Agreement and the AIM act, which are two key pieces of legislation driving the new HVAC refrigerant changes.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing a ban on R410A refrigerant as part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems. This change is geared toward transitioning to refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), specifically R454B.
With the transition to new refrigerants, manufacturers are projecting significant price increases for HVAC equipment:
- Price Hikes: Anticipated increases range from 15% to as high as 25% across the industry.
- New Equipment Costs: Companies like Lennox are already planning price increases of over 10% for their upcoming product lines.
- Supply Chain Challenges: The transition may lead to disruptions in product availability, further driving up prices.
Allbritten’s tips for you in light of the new HVAC refrigerant
While price increases are concerning, they also represent an opportunity for you to invest in a more efficient and eco-friendly HVAC system. Here are some recommendations from our HVAC specialists:
- Act Before the Deadline: If you’re considering a new HVAC system, purchasing before the end of 2024 could save you money. Current R410A systems are likely to be more affordable than future models using R454B.
- Repair vs. Replace: If your existing system is functioning well, repairing your HVAC system may be a more cost-effective option in the short term. R410A refrigerant and repair parts will still be available for existing units until the ban takes effect.
Consider Long-Term Benefits: While new systems with R454B may be more expensive initially, they will be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, ultimately saving you money on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
