At the start of the new year, the Environmental Protection Agency announced new refrigerant guidelines that impact the entire HVAC industry. In an effort to improve sustainability, the new mandates require that manufacturers make the switch to a refrigerant option that has fewer effects on the environment.
In this article, the HVAC experts at Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling discuss the reason for these refrigerant changes as well as the ways in which this will impact Alabama homeowners in the future.
Why Did HVAC Refrigerants Change in 2025?
Refrigerants can deplete the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gases that can contribute to global warming. In the last decade, the EPA has worked to phase out older refrigerants like Freon that have large, measurable effects on the environment. Until this year, the standard refrigerant was R-410A. While this refrigerant does not deplete the ozone layer, it does have a high global warming potential (GWP).
As climate change concerns have grown, the decision was made to replace R-410A with an eco-friendlier choice that reduces our carbon footprint and helps move us toward a more sustainable future.
New Refrigerants: R-454B & R-32
R-454B and R-32 are low-GWP refrigerants that are part of the A2L classification. R-454B, which is a blend, has a GWP of 466, while R-32, a pure refrigerant, has a GWP of 675. Both are significantly lower than the GWP of R-410A, which is 2,088, making them a better choice for the environment.
In addition, they offer higher energy-efficiency to allow your HVAC to perform at maximum capacity while lowering your energy bills.
How Will the Change Impact Me?
While the mandates are for HVAC manufacturers and not homeowners, residents in Decatur may still be impacted. As older refrigerants and systems are phased out, it may become more costly to repair your existing system. That’s why it’s even more important to keep your existing system working optimally with routine maintenance. A technician can help catch minor issues early and help you avoid expensive repairs. Plus, it will extend the lifespan of your unit to help delay replacement.
If your current system is at the end of its lifespan, expect to see a price increase with your replacement. Manufacturing new equipment to meet refrigerant and efficiency standards requires research and development that will increase the cost of your new system. However, there are many benefits to upgrading to an R-454B system:
- Efficiency: The new systems that use these eco-friendly refrigerants are more energy-efficient than your current system and will offer you superior comfort at lower operating costs.
- Simpler repairs: Repairing a new system is much easier as parts and extra refrigerant will be in stock and available.
- Future-proof: By upgrading now, you can ensure that your HVAC system is compliant and you will not need to replace it again for a while.
Choose Our Team for Expert HVAC Services
Homeowners in the Decatur area can turn to Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for all their HVAC needs. Our licensed, insured, and certified technicians are knowledgeable in the current refrigerant mandates and can help you decide the best step forward after assessing your current system. If you’re considering a new system that meets these EPA guidelines, we provide free estimates and upfront pricing to help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Learn more about our AC replacement services by contacting Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!