You may already be aware that heat pumps and air conditioners operating on R410A will be phased out in the next coming months and we will be transitioning to new refrigerants.
The rule goes into effect January 1st, 2025. From that date onwards, new systems operating on R410A will not be manufactured or imported. R410A systems which have already been manufactured can be installed for the remainder of the 2025year. After December 31st, 2025, all new systems will be required to be running on one of the new refrigerants.
R410Awill be around for the time to come. This refrigerant has been in use in the United States since 1995: most residential units presently run on R410A. Service parts and refrigerants will remain available for R-410A HVAC systems.
The replacement of leaking components (coils and condensers) will also be allowed. However, the phasing-out process will make new R-410A systems increasingly difficult to find, and a lack of availability will ultimately force customers to transition to systems operating on the new refrigerant.
Most manufacturers have already ceased the mass production and distribution of R410Acondensers, coils and R410A-compatible furnaces to allow the transition on their plants.
Currently, there are two refrigerants that are replacing R410A. The two refrigerants areR32 and R454B. Different manufacturers are planning on using different refrigerants and currently there isn’t a real benefit of one over the other.
Both new refrigerants are expected to be ~25% more expensive than the current R410Arefrigerant and the newer units will be more expensive as well.
The conversion mandate is causing significant changes in the HVAC industry.
Homeowners will be impacted, positively and negatively.
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.
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.
Purchasing a unit with the latest regulations ensures compliance for the long term and avoids costly retrofits or replacements down the road.
Up to 45% increased cost for new HVAC systems. The new systems are highly engineered, with all components communicating with each other for better efficiency.
Manufacturers will face higher production costs as units with lower GWP refrigerants require new designs, parts, and safety features. Homeowners may see up to 45% higher prices for new HVAC systems.
Transitioning to new refrigerants and parts may cause disruptions to availability, leading to delays and shortages.
Existing HVAC systems may need retrofitting to be compatible with new refrigerants. This can be expensive and technically challenging.
As nationwide manufacturers have elected different refrigerants for the new phase, parts compatibility may become an issue. We will no longer be able to install generic (less expensive) parts in the new HVAC systems and OEM parts will be the only option.
Get a new HVAC system before 2025 to avoid an increase of up to 45% in equipment costs.
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.
However: if you would like to wait for the new HVAC systems, know that, since the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act became law in 2020, our team has been preparing for these changes in the HVAC industry.
Our technicians are undergoing A2L training and will be fully certified to handle new refrigerants by November 2024. Our certified technicians and office staff are ready to assist you during this transition, ensuring no delays or shortages.
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.
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.
- R-410A Products: A Product has a fully assembled and charged refrigerant loop at the factory.
Manufacture Stop Date: December31, 2024
Installation Stop Date: December31, 2027
- R-410A Systems: A System has a refrigerant loop that is assembled and charged in the field.
Manufacture Stop Date: December31, 2024
Installation Stop Date: December31, 2025
NOTE: The EPA has allowed installation of R-410A Systems through 2025 if both the indoor and outdoor units were manufactured before January 1, 2025.
- R-410A Components: A Component is one unit of a system that is installed for repair.
Ex: Indoor OR outdoor unit
Manufacture Stop Date: December31, 2024.
Installation Stop Date: There is no limitation on installing R-410A Components. However, availability is very limited (and will only get worse)
