2025 EPA Refrigerant Guidlines
In 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new regulations that will gradually phase-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – a class of refrigerants that have a high global warming potential (GWP). HFCs like R-410A, are commonly used in air conditioning systems and can have a GWP more than 2,000 times that of carbon dioxide. To address this, the EPA released new guidelines that call for the phase-down of HFC production by 85% by 2036. This phase-down will require a transition to lower GWP refrigerants and a manufacture and installation restriction of systems that use high GWP refrigerants.
As of January 1st, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce new HVAC systems that use high-GWP refrigerants. This means units that are manufactured and produced with the intention of being installed as a new system must use one of the new lower GWP refrigerants. The industry will be shifting towards A2L refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B. Because A2L refrigerants are “mildly flammable”, new safety protocols are now required for all HVAC systems that use R-32 or R-454B refrigerants. These protocols include leak detection systems, enhanced ventilation systems, and spark-resistant electrical components. These protocols will also require service technicians to receive updated training and certifications to safely handle these refrigerants.
Because of the new added safety features required for A2L refrigerants, HVAC equipment costs are expected to increase by at least 10-15%. The phase-down of high GWP refrigerants will also negatively impact homeowners who currently have HVAC systems that use high GPW refrigerants. Availability of repair components for systems that use high GWP refrigerants will become limited over time and will eventually no longer be available for purchase, this means that homeowners may be required to replace their HVAC systems if a repair component cannot be obtained. The cost of R-22 and R-410A refrigerants are also expected to increase as the availability becomes limited.
Although the availability of high GWP refrigerants and components for high GWP refrigerant systems are being phased-down, this does NOT mean consumers current R-410A system are banned. Homeowners and business owners that currently have HVAC systems that use high GWP refrigerants can continue to use their systems normally, and if replacement parts and high GWP refrigerants are still available, these systems can still be repaired. If consumers HVAC systems that use high GWP refrigerants fail, consumers will not be able to purchase or install a new R-410A system. If your system is older and requires major repairs, it may be more economical to plan for a system replacement that uses one of the new A2L refrigerants vs. purchasing replacement parts for your current HVAC system.
The new EPA guidelines to phase-down high GWP refrigerants can be confusing, but our team has been fully trained and is kept up to date on all changes to guide our customers through this transition period. If your current HVAC system needs major repairs or you are trying to plan a system upgrade, give us a call at (417)886-2808 to get started.
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