HVAC Refrigerant Changes In 2025

What You Need To Know About The New HVAC Refrigerant Changes For 2025

By James K. Kim

We are standing on the brink of one of the most significant shifts in the HVAC industry.

Over the past several years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has led efforts to major changes in the current refrigerant gases used in today’s residential and commercial HVAC systems.

These changes will be coming to fruition in 2025 when new requirements for refrigerant will be enforced, and the ripple effect will drastically alter how both HVAC contractors and consumers install and maintain air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump systems.

The new refrigerants of 2025 will also be categorized as “A2L”, which is The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ safety classification for refrigerants with mild flammability, low toxicity, and low global warming potential (GWP).

Keep reading to learn more, or call Cottam Heating & Air Conditioning today to make sure your system will still be serviceable past 2024.

What Are The EPA Changes For Refrigerants in 2025?

In an effort to mitigate the environmental impact of current refrigerants (such as R-410A, the most recent standard refrigerant gas used in modern systems) and their contributions to GWP, the newly regulated 2025 A2L refrigerant changes are a bold step forward in attaining a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.

Why Are The Refrigerants Changing In 2025?

The EPA has revised its regulations aimed at reducing the GWP of refrigerants used in air conditioners, heat pumps, and commercial refrigeration equipment.

According to the EPA’s findings, the low GWP refrigerants significantly decrease the environmental impact of traditional refrigerants used currently such as R-410A.

As part of the initiative to protect the environment, the legacy high GWP refrigerants that contribute to global warming when released into the atmosphere will be phased out to make room for low GWP A2L alternatives.

By utilizing low GWP refrigerants in 2025 and beyond, the HVAC and refrigeration industries will have a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

What Is The Impact Of The New A2L Refrigerants In 2025?

The new A2L refrigerant changes of 2025 will affect a wide variety of areas, from residential air conditioning systems and light commercial applications to more specialized systems such as Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) equipment and heat pumps of all types.

Even industrial sectors such as commercial refrigeration and food processing will be impacted.

As a result, a major reevaluation of existing systems and a strategic approach to new equipment replacement will need to be undertaken.

When Will The New A2L Refrigerants Be Enforced?

Compliance with the new A2L refrigerant regulations is set for January 1, 2025. As a result, manufacturers, distributors, and contractors are in a race against the clock to get up to par on these new standards.

Part of this major transition involved the production of new equipment that is compliant with the new standard of low GWP A2L refrigerants enforced by the EPA. This will be a broad new landscape populated with brand-new refrigerant regulations and service practice updates.

How Will The New A2L Refrigerants Of 2023 Affect Costs?

It should come as no surprise that the shift to low GWP A2L refrigerants will likely increase costs, from the price of the new refrigerants to the corresponding installation of new systems and equipment. Costs are predicted to roughly increase 10-25% for new systems due to the increased cost of production and mandated regulations.

However, one could make the argument that these increased expenses can be weighed against the long-term environmental and financial benefits of having more modern, efficient, and sustainable cooling solutions taking over less efficient and polluting legacy systems.

How Can Consumers Prepare For The New A2L Refrigerant Changes Of 2025?

If you’ve been putting off an HVAC system replacement, it’s important to know that these new A2L refrigerant changes may make legacy parts and older equipment harder to come by. Manufacturers will now focus on producing new equipment utilizing the new refrigerants.

With prices expected to jump by 25% or more (on top of the most recent post-pandemic and supply chain shortage price increases), there is no better time than the present to invest in energy-efficient new HVAC systems before prices increase dramatically.

If you are in need of air conditioning replacement in Westchester, NY, Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning is ready to help now.

We offer comprehensive services, including consultations, installations, repairs, and maintenance. Our experts stay updated on the latest technologies and developments in both HVAC equipment and refrigerants.

Conclusion

The clock is ticking and the deadline for compliance for A2L refrigerants for 2025 is on the horizon. Now is the time to lock in the best deal for a new energy-efficient system before year-end and avoid the dramatic 20-25%+ price increases experts are forecasting.

Whether you are upgrading an existing system or considering a replacement with new heat pump technology, Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning is with you every step of the way.

Click here to request a consultation or service and together we can save energy today for a better tomorrow.