In part one of this blog post, we touched on the factors contributing to rising costs of HVAC systems and stressed the importance of making any upgrades or replacements now to save on costs in the long run. In this second part, we’ll address another major change coming to the air conditioning industry and what it means for you.
Beginning in 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require all newly manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps to use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 700 or less. If you’re not familiar with GWP, it’s best described as the metric used by the EPA to regulate refrigerants and their impact on the atmosphere. Each refrigerant is measured by how much impact a gas will have on atmospheric warming over a period of time compared to carbon dioxide, which features a GWP of 1. A refrigerant with a GWP of 1,000 would be about a thousand times per pound a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
The current refrigerant, R-410A, does not meet the new EPA requirements, as it has a GWP of 2090, and is being banned by the EPA due to its significant impact on climate change. It will be replaced by two climate-friendly refrigerants known as R-32 and R-454B, which have GWPs of 675 and 470 respectively. These refrigerants will serve as the new industry standard, and manufacturers must switch to the refrigerant of choice once the remaining supply of R-410A is gone.
Here’s how these changes impact consumers like you and why you should consider making any necessary upgrades or replacements before 2025:
Impact on equipment
- Existing Equipment: If you currently have an air conditioner or heat pump installed, you can continue to use it without interruption. There will likely be enough of the current refrigerant, R-410A, available to service existing units for many years to come.
- New Equipment: If you’re considering purchasing a new system, it’s important to act before 2025. After that, only units using lower-GWP refrigerants will be available for purchase. At a significant cost increase.
Benefits of Upgrading Before 2025:
- Avoid Future Costs: Purchasing a new system now can help you avoid potential price increases associated with the transition to new refrigerants.
- Enjoy Improved Efficiency: Newer models often offer enhanced energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills.
- Benefit from Advanced Technology: Modern systems feature the latest innovations in cooling technology for optimal comfort and performance.
Limited Time Offer:
To help you make a smooth transition, we offer special financing options on new air conditioning and heat pump systems purchased before 2025.
About Sensible Heating & Cooling
For us, Sensibility is a way of life. Our form is function, and we want to equip you with the right information so you feel empowered to make the right decisions for your home. If you want to work with a premier heating and cooling company that you can trust, you want Sensible.
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