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At Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe in educating our customers about important changes in the HVAC industry that will directly affect them–and their wallets. If you’re in the market for a new AC system, you may have heard about the changes affecting refrigerants, the essential component in all cooling systems.
Because of new EPA regulations, the refrigerant R-410A is being phased out and replaced with a more environmentally friendly substitute that is less prone to refrigerant leaks. This means that the cost of central air conditioners, heat pumps, and mini split systems is expected to increase sharply in the new year. Here’s the info you need to make an informed decision on whether you should schedule HVAC installation in Cape Coral now or wait.
The AIM Act and Refrigerant Changes
The AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act) aims to reduce the use of specific hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs. One of these is the refrigerant R-410A which replaced Freon in the 1990s and has been used in cooling systems since then. R-410A is most well-known by the name Puron but is also sold under other names such as AZ-20, EcoFluor R410, Forane 410A, Genetron R410A, and Suva 410A. Your existing AC system most likely uses this type of refrigerant.
The refrigerant that will replace R-410A is R-454B or Opteon XL41. HVAC equipment manufacturers will be required to develop and manufacture cooling systems that use R-454B and not R-410A. Because of the huge cost involved with updating manufacturing processes, developing new systems, and adapting technology–combined with the cost of the new refrigerant itself–equipment prices are expected to rise sharply. Unfortunately, these increases in prices will affect homeowners.
Cost Concerns for Consumers
If you own a system that uses R-410A, you don’t need to worry. You will not need to replace your AC system just because it uses R-410A. However, while the production of R-410A will still be allowed for a while, less of it will be produced as it is phased out. That means the cost of R-410A will rise as supply goes down and demand goes up.
One of the demands for R-410A is to repair cooling systems that use this refrigerant. For example, if your AC system develops a refrigerant leak, the cost of topping off the system after the leak is fixed will be more costly. This is because R-410A will be harder for HVAC companies to source.
The other major cost impact will directly affect how much new central air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini splits, and VRV/VRF systems will cost. Equipment prices are expected to rise by as much as 20% in 2025. Keep in mind that the average lifespan of cooling equipment in Florida is 10-12 years. If you think your older AC system will need AC replacement in the next 1-2 years, we strongly encourage you to discuss your options with us soon
Depend on Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to stay abreast of changes in the HVAC industry and keep you, our valued customers, informed.
It’s No Sweat: Call Bayonet! Contact Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule HVAC installation in Cape Coral, FL today!