On January 1st, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will mandate that new HVAC systems use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP) than R-410A, the current standard refrigerant. The new refrigerants will be R-32 and R-454B, which are classified as low GWP refrigerants. 

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The Negative Impact of the Refrigerant Mandate:

• Up to 30% increased cost for new HVAC systems
  Manufacturers will face higher production costs as units with lower GWP refrigerants require new designs, parts, and safety features. Homeowners may see up to 30% higher prices for new HVAC systems.

• Supply chain disruptions
  Transitioning to new refrigerants and parts may cause disruptions to availability, leading to delays and shortages.

• Retrofit challenges
  Existing HVAC systems may need retrofitting to be compatible with new refrigerants. This can be expensive and technically challenging.

If your AC is under 10 years old, you're happy with its performance, and you're still expecting many years of serviceable life from it, then we recommend waiting to upgrade until it becomes necessary to do so. By the time you need a new AC, the R-454B refrigerant won't be so new anymore and hopefully any kinks will have been resolved. To make sure your current system lasts as long as possible, be sure to keep up with regular maintenance and consider a planned maintenance agreement. 

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