As environmental regulations evolve, refrigerants used in cooling systems are undergoing significant changes. By 2025, certain refrigerants will be phased out to meet updated environmental standards aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These changes could impact your home’s cooling system, and we want to ensure you’re informed and prepared.
Why Are Refrigerants Being Phased Out?
Refrigerants like R-410A and R-22 have been staples in many systems for years. However, these substances are now being regulated due to their high global warming potential (GWP), a measurement of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO2). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies are mandating a shift toward more eco-friendly refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B. This change has implications for your existing HVAC system.
What Does This Mean for You?
If your system uses a refrigerant that’s being phased out, you’ll need to prepare for rising costs and potential service challenges. Supplies of older refrigerants like R-22 are already limited, and the same will eventually apply to R-410A. Repairs for systems using phased-out refrigerants may become more expensive due to dwindling availability, but we will be stocking up on these to continue providing HVAC maintenance and repairs for our customers while these refrigerants are still on the market.
Newer systems, designed to use alternative refrigerants such as R-32 or R-454B, are already available. However, retrofitting an older system to accommodate these new refrigerants is not generally an option. At some point upgrading to a new AC that’s compatible with the latest refrigerants will become necessary. The good news is, HVAC systems that use the refrigerants are more energy-efficient and could lower your monthly bills.
How Are We Handling This Change?
We’ve been keeping a close eye on these developments to ensure a seamless transition for our customers. Our team is fully trained on the latest refrigerants and the systems designed to use them. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or need help maintaining your current system that still uses old refrigerants, we’re here to guide you through every step.
What Should You Do to Prepare?
Scheduling an AC inspection and tune-up from our team can recharge your system with these refrigerants while they’re still available. We can then help determine whether a replacement is the better option for your home in the medium-term. Regular maintenance will also keep your system running efficiently during the transition period.
As your trusted partner in Lee’s Summit, MO, AFC Heating and Cooling is ready to help you seamlessly navigate these refrigerant changes and continue providing your HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation needs. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
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