2025 Refrigerant Mandate
What to Know (and Do) About the 2025 Refrigerant Mandate
A significant change is coming for residential HVAC systems. To reduce the impact of global warming and meet new environmental standards, new HVAC systems will be designed to use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP). Here we’ll explain the government mandate for HVAC systems, its impact on Long Island homeowners, and the ideal time to transition into a new system.
What is the Government HVAC Refrigerant Mandate?
The government HVAC refrigerant mandate, initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and set to take effect on January 1, 2025, will phase out the use of R-410A refrigerant in residential-type HVAC systems, replacing it with R-454B and R-32, depending on the manufacturer. This measure aims to combat climate change by requiring new systems to use refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP).
What Will Happen to Current HVAC Systems?
Service parts and refrigerants will remain readily available if you own an HVAC system using R-410A. However, the phasing-out process will make new R-410A systems increasingly difficult to find, and availability will ultimately force you to transition to a system operation with the new refrigerant.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
The conversion mandate is causing significant changes in the HVAC industry. As Sal Manzo Plumbing, Heating & Cooling transitions to new systems that comply with the new mandate, here is how homeowners will be impacted, positively and negatively.
The Positive Impact of the Refrigerant Mandate
- Environmental impact
By switching to refrigerants with lower GWP, the United States is making a conscious effort to reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.
- Energy efficiency
The new A2L refrigerants, such as R32 and R454b, have a 78% lower global warming potential than previous refrigerants benefiting the environment and your wallet. With lower global warming potential, enhanced efficiency, and better performance, you'll reduce your monthly energy bills.
- Future-proof
Purchasing a unit with the latest regulations ensures compliance for the long term and avoids costly retrofits or replacements down the road.
The Negative Impact of the Refrigerant Mandate
- Up to 30% increased cost for new HVAC systems
Manufacturers will face higher production costs as units with lower GWP refrigerants require new designs, parts, and safety features. Homeowners may see up to 30% higher prices for new HVAC systems.
- Supply chain disruptions
Transitioning to new refrigerants and parts may cause disruptions to availability, leading to delays and shortages.
- Retrofit challenge
Existing HVAC systems may need retrofitting to be compatible with new refrigerants. This can be expensive and technically challenging.
- Training requirements
HVAC technicians and professionals must undergo re-training to manage the installation and repair of systems. If your HVAC company is unprepared, you may face delays in service and replacement, and increased labor costs.
How Should Homeowners Prepare for the Refrigerant Mandate?
Act now to avoid paying up to 30% more for your new HVAC system.
Replace your aging HVAC system before December 31st, 2024, and secure the current pricing. A current model still provides high efficiency, a low environmental impact, and a proven track record of performance. Waiting may cost you significantly more.
Get Ahead of the Mandate by Upgrading Your System Now With Sal Manzo Plumbing, Heating & Cooling’s Trained Technicians
Sal Manzo Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is proud to join the initiative to combat global warming and help customers transition to more energy-efficient systems.
Since the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act became law in 2020, our team has been preparing for changes in the HVAC industry.
- Education
Our technicians and staff are trained and stay current on the latest equipment's features, advancements, and offerings.
- Trained and Certified
Our technicians and staff have completed A2L training and are fully certified to handle new refrigerants. We have plenty of certified techs ready to assist you during this transition, ensuring no delays or shortages.
- Supplier coordination
We’ve been working closely with our suppliers, sourcing and stocking new, compliant equipment to ensure a seamless transition and the best prices to avoid last-minute surges.
- Customer transparency
Whether on-site or through phone consultations, we’ve prioritized informing our customers about the upcoming changes, how they affect their purchasing decisions, how to find a compliant HVAC system before the price increase, and how to maximize savings through federal tax credits.
