The HVAC industry is experiencing big changes, especially regarding refrigerants in our AC systems that help cool our homes and businesses. The HVAC industry is constantly improving. Some of the reasons behind these improvements include making equipment more efficient or ensuring it complies with changing environmental standards. These changes help protect our environment and our investment. With ever-changing rules and regulations, knowing what these updates are and how they impact home and business owners is essential.
Big Changes Coming to Your Air Conditioner
The most significant update that home and business owners should be aware of is the updates to the refrigerant. Our HVAC equipment uses a refrigerant, cooling gas, more commonly known as Freon. This HVAC refrigerant changes continuously to meet environmental standards. The oldest Freon most home and business owners are familiar with is R22. This refrigerant has been phased out, and the current common refrigerant is 410-A. However, this refrigerant will soon slowly be phased out as well.
What is HVAC Refrigerant, and Why Is It Being Phased Out?
To understand why these changes matter, knowing what refrigerant is essential. Refrigerant is the cooling gas inside your air conditioner that makes the air cool. For many years, the most common refrigerant was R-22, also known as Freon. Unfortunately, R-22 is harmful to the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from too much sunlight. To protect the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began phasing out Freon in the U.S..
As of 2010, is no longer being produced or imported except for continuing servicing needs of existing equipment using stockpiled R-22 Freon. However, the EPA will ban production, imports, and use of R-22 in 2030. Because of this, R-22 refrigerant is becoming harder to find and much more expensive, especially when older air conditioners need repairs.
What’s on the Market Now and What’s Coming in 2025?
As of 2010, most air conditioning systems use R-410A refrigerant, which is much safer for the environment. R-410A is energy-efficient and helps keep your home or business cool without harming the ozone layer. However, changes to HVAC refrigerants are ongoing.
As the HVAC industry continues to improve. Beginning in 2025, we will see the introduction of A2L refrigerant. This refrigerant is even more environmentally friendly and is designed to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. A2L refrigerant will be used in newer air conditioning systems, making them more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. One thing to note is that A2L refrigerants are classified as mildly flammable, requiring careful installation and handling by HVAC professionals.
How will Refrigerant Changes Impact Home and Business Owners?
- Older Systems Will Be More Expensive to Repair
If your air conditioner is older than 2010, chances are the refrigerant your system calls for is R-22. If so, due to the freon phase-out the cost to repair your equipment will go up. Because R-22 refrigerant is no longer in production, there is a limited supply, and this refrigerant will be very expensive.
- Potential for System Upgrades
Upgrading to a new R-410A or A2L refrigerant system would be a smart choice. New systems are more energy efficient, which could help lower your energy bills, and A2L refrigerants are better for the environment.
- Plan for the Future
HVAC systems that use A2L refrigerants will start becoming available in 2025. If your current air conditioning and heating system is over ten years old or nearing the end of its life, now is the time to talk to an HVAC professional about future options. Upgrading sooner rather than later can help you avoid higher repair costs.
If you wait until the end of your HVAC system’s life, you’ll at least be aware of how much equipment currently costs, understand various financing plans, and learn about available incentives or rebates.
What Should You Do?
- Check Your System: Have an HVAC professional evaluate your system. They can advise you on your options regarding upgrading to a new unit, refrigerant availability, or approximate system longevity.
- Consider Upgrading: With the introduction of A2L refrigerant in 2025, you might consider upgrading to a new system that uses a more environmentally friendly refrigerant.
- Keep Up With Maintenance: Regular HVAC maintenance is vital to extending the life of your system and ensuring it works efficiently. This is especially important if your system is older and uses R-22 refrigerant.
Freedom Heating & Air | HVAC Installation Dallas & Ellis County
The changes to HVAC refrigerants are meant to help protect the environment, and they will affect homes and businesses alike. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can avoid high repair costs and make sure your air conditioning and heating system is ready for the future. If you’re not sure what refrigerant your system uses or you are interested in upgrading to an R-410A or A2L-compatible unit, contact an HVAC professional to help make the best decision.
At Freedom Heating & Air, your comfort is our mission! Call (214) 306 – 8456 to learn more about scheduling a FREE CONSULTATION for an HVAC SYSTEM UPGRADE!
