Have you heard about the new refrigerant requirements and wondered what this means for you as a homeowner? We hope to answer some of your questions and give you peace of mind about this transition.

Here’s some background info: 

Your HVAC system cools and heats air by vaporizing and condensing chemical compounds called refrigerants. While these substances do a great job of keeping your home comfortable, they aren’t easy on the environment.

Refrigerants contain hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which deplete our ozone layer at an alarming rate. In 2020, Congress enacted the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act 2020  to help reduce negative impacts on our planet and start phasing out HFC consumption.

Trane explains the issue well: 

“Refrigerants have traditionally contained hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gasses. As scientific research has shed light on the damage HCFCs can do to our ozone layer, stricter environmental regulations mean older refrigerants such as R-22 (also known as Freon or HCFC-22) were phased out and replaced by HFC R-410A. HFCs are now being phased out under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 because they have high GWPs.” 

The Environmental Protection Agency is enforcing the mandate, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, stating that “certain technologies may no longer use high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or HFC blends.”

While these new regulations are a positive change for the environment and something we fully support, we expect this change to be noticeable for our operations and customers. Because of this, it’s essential for everyone to understand what to expect when the new rules take effect in 2025.

What we are doing: The updated refrigeration will require new practices, training, and equipment to handle the higher flammability and safety regulations. We are going to continue to stay ahead of the transition and ensure that we provide our customers with the most up to date information and quality service. We will also be working closely with our vendors to stock equipment and stay ahead of any potential set-backs.

What does this change mean for homeowners?

• Cost increases: We will do our best to help keep our prices low, but the new refrigeration will have an increased cost of 15% direct from our manufacturers.

• Potential delays: Our vendors will begin manufacturing the new equipment in 2025. They will start in phases to ramp up production beginning with the lower SEER’s and expect the full line to be in production towards the end of 2025. This means new equipment may not be available to suit your replacement wants and repair parts. This will require some patience in the early days of the new equipment.

• Issues with leak sensing and refrigeration metering components: Over the last few years, as this transition has begun, HVAC equipment manufacturers have had difficulty getting some of the new required components for leak sensing and refrigeration filtering to last as long as they have in the past. As an added safety, news equipment will shut down if the unit senses leaks or if it wears out. Unfortunately, this could lead to more frequent service calls and repair tickets until the manufacturers can work out the kinks.

All of this may sound daunting, but don’t worry! As your home comfort provider, you can trust us to navigate these regulations and keep you informed when they affect your home’s system. 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at 434-298-2151.