As we welcome 2025, there are significant HVAC industry changes that we have to plan for – specifically when it comes to refrigerants. System changes coming down from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stem from global efforts being made to make positive steps in climate change.
As a homeowner, there’s nothing special you need to do. Yet you will need to replace your home’s cooling system someday, and if that is the case you can keep reading to learn more about refrigerant changes for HVAC systems being installed in 2025. If you have questions or want to know more, you can give our team a call and we are happy to help.
Why Is Refrigerant Changing?
Refrigerants have been integral in how cooling systems and heat pumps operate, yet the chemical has a high global warming potential (GWP) – a measure used to estimate the environmental impact over a 100-year period.
Unfortunately, refrigerant does get released into the atmosphere as part of HVAC operation when the secure lines sustain any kind of damage. Over the years changes have been made to refrigerant to lessen its impact on our environment so that we can cool our homes safely and responsibly.
Key Factors for 2025
The EPA has a goal of reducing the impact of harmful refrigerants by 85% through the year 2036. At that point, new goals will be put in place to ensure we continue moving forward as new technology emerges and we are able to make smarter decisions for our families and our planet.
New refrigerants that are being introduced include R-32, R-454B, and R-1234yf. They are gaining traction as environmentally friendly alternatives to the R-22 and R-410A refrigerants that have been the standard. Switching over to more environmentally friendly options will help us collectively make steps toward that 85% goal by 2036 – a short 11 years from now.
Changes in HVAC Systems
Your existing HVAC system doesn’t need any changes or adjustments. The regulations being released apply to new systems being installed in homes and businesses. If you do happen to invest in a new AC or heat pump this year, it will be designed to operate with low-GWP refrigerants like those listed above.
If you have an older system in place and will need to upgrade in the near future, these changes may entice you to install a new system even sooner. Investing in a more environmentally friendly model will lessen your personal impact on the environment and can even save you money on your monthly energy costs – especially in the summertime.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
You can further boost energy efficiency and also lower your environmental impact at the same time by investing in a high-efficiency model. Just talk to us about SEER2 ratings for your AC or heat pump when we visit your home for an installation assessment.
Contact Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. today to schedule your HVAC services as soon as possible. You can always trust The Guys in the Big Red Trucks.