As of January 1, 2025, new regulations regarding what refrigerants may be used in air conditioning systems will take effect. Along with these regulation changes, federal efficiency ratings may impact the cost and timing of planned AC repairs and replacements, making it wise for Florida families to consider upgrading their systems before costs increase.
In this blog post, the cooling experts at Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Electric explain the new refrigerant regulations and how they may impact your air conditioning repair and replacement plans after 2024.
Understanding the New Refrigerant Regulations
R-410A refrigerant has long been the standard for residential air conditioning and heat pump systems. However, the government has recently shifted away from this refrigerant to encourage more environmentally friendly options. In 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was signed into law, authorizing a 15-year phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in HVAC equipment.
As this phase-out transpires, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated a new, eco-friendly refrigerant known as class A2L refrigerant. This will become the new standard for air conditioning equipment as of January 1, 2025. Manufacturing of R-410A refrigerants will gradually decrease throughout 2024, and by the new year, this refrigerant will be discontinued entirely for all new AC systems.
How Will New Refrigerant Policies Affect Homeowners?
Florida families with existing air conditioners that rely on R-410A refrigerants may have difficulty refilling their refrigerant levels as this refrigerant type becomes scarcer. As R-410A refrigerant becomes harder to obtain, its price will likely increase over time, which will also raise the cost of related services for these systems.
As R-454B and R-32 refrigerants become the new standard, the cost of new AC systems after 2024 is also expected to increase. Once the new year hits, homeowners can expect new systems to cost up to 8% more, or approximately $3,000 to $5,000. Due to these changes, we advise families considering an AC replacement to do so before prices increase.
Can a Different Refrigerant Be Used in an R-410A Air Conditioner?
No — using a different refrigerant type in your R-410A air conditioner can cause damage to your equipment and may even void its manufacturer warranty. It’s best to either stick with the refrigerant your system currently relies on or plan an AC replacement before January 2025.
How To Check Your HVAC Unit’s Efficiency Rating
Part of switching to a new refrigerant type is moving toward more energy-efficient cooling equipment. You can check your air conditioner’s efficiency rating by referring to the black and yellow Energy Guide sticker attached to the unit. This sticker shows the system’s efficiency rating as well as a range that compares its efficiency to other units.
Schedule HVAC Installation Services With Del-Air Today
If your air conditioner still relies on R-410A refrigerant, there’s still time to get a system replacement before the new regulations take effect and prices increase for your AC upgrade.
Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Electric is proud to offer a wide range of top-quality cooling systems that satisfy the updated regulations. And, with plenty of financing options, available rebates, and rotating specials, you can rest assured that your air conditioning replacement will be as affordable as it is stress-free.
Schedule HVAC installation services in Florida before January 2025 to save on replacement.
