My husband works in the heating and air industry and the other night he was telling me about changes coming to the industry that very well could affect all of our pocketbooks, so I wanted to share the information. In 2020, the American Innovation & Manufacturing Act (AIM) was passed into law, which requires a new cooling refrigerant to be used in residential and light commercial air conditioners and heat pumps.
A little background in layman’s terms: your current cooling system uses either the old R22 refrigerant or R410A, which replaced R22 several years ago. R410A has a Global Warming Potential (GWP)…that’s the potential it has to adversely affect the environment…of 2088. As of January 1, 2025, manufacturers will have to start using one of two new A2L refrigerants, R454B or R32, which are required by AIM to have a Global Warming Potential of 750 or less.
You’re probably asking yourself, why do I care about this. Well, first, the 2025 air conditioning changes are is intended to be more environmentally friendly. Second, the manufacturers are having to redesign and revamp their equipment to work with the A2L refrigerant. Third, HVAC companies will have to purchase new equipment & tools to work on these A2L units. As with many other things, the cost to manufacture this equipment has gone up over the years, which means it will be more expensive to produce units that comply with the 2025 air conditioning changes than previous ones. Also, as with many other things, it is likely to produce a trickle down effect.
Manufacturer costs go up, which means the cost to purchase from them by a Distributer goes up, which means the cost to purchase from the Distributor by the Heating & Air Companies goes up, which means, the cost to purchase by you and me, the consumer, goes up.
Using my husband’s knowledge and contacts, I asked some questions I had about how these changes will affect us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING WITH MY EXISTING AC/HEAT PUMP?
There is nothing different you need to do to operate your current equipment. At this time, the R410A refrigerant is only banned for use in equipment manufactured after January 1. 2025.
WILL THE NEW REFRIGERATE REDUCE MY MONTHLY POWER BILL?
While, per ARCH News, the new A2L refrigerant has a lower GWP than the existing refrigerant, making it less flammable, more energy efficient, and better for the environment, only time will tell if it helps to reduce consumer’s monthly energy costs.
WILL THE NEW REFRIGERANT WORK WITH MY CURRENT SYSTEM?
No, your current system uses either R22 or R410A refrigerant. The R410A will still be available to use on existing air conditioners and heat pumps. As of now a date has not been given as to when production of 410A will cease. Per my sources, it is likely to come at some point, but not now. With the rollout of the new refrigerant, it is also likely the cost of R410A will begin to increase.
WILL R410A EQUIPMENT BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BEYOND JANUARY 1, 2025?
According to a letter I obtained, that was sent to distributors by the EPA, the EPA intends to allow installation of previously manufactured R410A equipment through January 1, 2026, so as not to strand equipment in the manufacturing or distribution supply chain.
HOW MUCH MORE WILL AN AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP COST AFTER JANUARY 1, 2025?
According to a reputable manufacturer who asked not to be named, costs to the consumer to purchase a cooling unit with the new refrigerant could increase as much as 20%-30%.
So, while this may sound boring and technical, it is important to you, especially if your air conditioner or heat pump is older or on its last leg and you’re ok getting an R410A cooled system. You may want to consider hiring a licensed heating and air conditioning company to advise you on the best course of action and to help you determine if 2024 is the time to replace it or if it is better to wait on the new, more environmentally friendly, 2025 models.
I certainly didn’t want to drag you along for all the minute details, but if that interests you, head over to the EPA website. They have a lot of additional information and FAQs to help educate yourself on what’s to come.
