There’s a big change on the horizon, and if you own an air conditioning system, you’ll want to pay attention. Starting January 1, 2025, new environmental regulations are coming into effect that will shake up how we cool our homes. Specifically, the refrigerant you’ve been relying on — R-410A — will be phased out in favor of more eco-friendly alternatives like R-454B and R-32. These new refrigerants have a much lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), making them better for the environment, but they come with their own considerations for homeowners like you.
At Dinomite, we’re all about making sure you have the most up-to-date info, so you can make informed decisions about your AC system. Let’s break down what these refrigerant changes mean for you.
Why the Change?
The shift away from R-410A stems from environmental concerns. R-410A, while better than older refrigerants like R-22, still has a high GWP, contributing to global warming when released into the atmosphere. In 2025, the EPA is mandating that all new air conditioning systems must use refrigerants with a lower GWP to reduce the overall impact on climate change.
The most common replacements will be R-454B and R-32, both of which have a GWP that is significantly lower than R-410A. This change is a step in the right direction for sustainability, but it also means new systems must be specifically designed to handle these refrigerants.
What Does This Mean for Your Current AC?
If your air conditioning system is relatively new and still using R-410A, don’t worry — your system won’t suddenly become obsolete. The production of R-410A systems will continue until December 31, 2024, and R-410A refrigerant will still be available for servicing existing units for many years. However, no new R-410A systems will be manufactured after January 1, 2025, and prices for R-410A refrigerant are expected to increase over time as supply becomes more limited.
This means you can keep your current system if it’s still in good shape, but repairs involving refrigerant may get more expensive down the line. That’s why regular maintenance will be more important than ever to avoid costly repairs.
Should You Upgrade Now or Later?
If your AC system is getting old, now might be the perfect time to consider an upgrade. With new refrigerants and systems coming into the market, prices are expected to rise 10-30% by 2025 due to the cost of redesigning and manufacturing units that work with R-454B and R-32. That means if your system is on its last legs, upgrading now could save you big in the long run.
Dinomite is here to help you make the best decision for your home. Whether it’s servicing your current R-410A system or upgrading to a new, more efficient model, we’ve got you covered.
Get Ahead of the Change with Dinomite
The refrigerant regulations might seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions about your current system or what your options are moving forward, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team of experts is always ready to help you stay cool, comfortable, and confident that your AC is working for both you and the environment.
Don’t wait until 2025 to start thinking about your AC — get in touch with Dinomite today and beat the heat (and the price hikes) before they hit!