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Significant changes in the HVAC industry are on the horizon for 2025 – specifically regarding refrigerant use in ACs and heat pumps. These industry changes stem from global efforts to combat climate change and keep our environment healthier and stronger.
Keep reading to learn more about these important refrigerant updates and what they mean for you. While there aren’t any steps you need to take right now, it’s always good to have a general understanding of how it will affect heat pump and air conditioning installation in the future. If you have any additional questions, our team is always ready to help.
Why Are Refrigerants Changing?
Refrigerants are essential for cooling systems and heat pumps, but many of the commonly used refrigerant chemicals have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). GWP is a measurement the industry uses to gauge the environmental impact of a substance over a 100-year period.
Refrigerants in general have high GWPs and contribute significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere. Adjustments are being made to help lessen that impact. Although refrigerant is contained within a secure line, damage can occur to the HVAC coils and allow refrigerant to leak out.
Over the years, changes have been made to refrigerants to reduce their environmental impact, allowing us to cool our homes responsibly and sustainably. The most recent change was five years ago in 2020.
Key Factors for 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an ambitious goal to reduce harmful refrigerants by 85% leading up to the year 2036. This long-term plan was designed to factor in advancements in technology and the need for sustainable cooling solutions.
As part of this initiative, 2025 marks another milestone in the efforts to improve the environmental friendliness of refrigerants. New refrigerants like R-32, R-454B, and R-1234yf are alternatives to other recent options like R-22 and R-410A.
Changes in HVAC Systems
If you’re a homeowner, your current HVAC system doesn’t require any immediate changes. The new regulations apply to systems being manufactured and installed in 2025 and the years to come. If you do need an upgrade this year, the system will be designed to operate with low-GWP refrigerants, ensuring compliance with these new regulations.
SEER2 Ratings
If you are looking to maximize energy efficiency, be sure to consider a high-efficiency HVAC system when it is time for you to upgrade in the future – whether it’s next year or ten years from now. A model with a higher-than-average SEER2 rating means that your chosen system won’t use as much energy as part of everyday operation.
This is another step that helps the environment since electricity also has harmful effects. For example, you could invest in a high-efficiency ductless heat pump that replaces both your air conditioner and heater.
The elimination of ductwork means that all of the air heated or cooled by the refrigerant will blow directly into your home. With air ducts, inevitably some of the conditioned air gets trapped or escapes through small holes in the ductwork. More conditioned air reaching your home means less energy consumed and a lower carbon footprint!
At Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning, we like to say that our work isn’t just good—it’s Gideon Guaranteed! Contact us today to schedule HVAC services.