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At Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we keep up with the latest advancements in the HVAC industry and share key updates with our customers. One significant upcoming change involves the phase-out of the refrigerant R-410A, which will impact the cost of cooling systems for homeowners. Prices for central air conditioners, mini splits, and heat pumps are expected to increase significantly. If your HVAC system is outdated, it may be wise to upgrade now to save on a new system before these changes take effect. Here’s what you should know to make an informed decision about HVAC installation in Lakewood Ranch.
The AIM Act and Refrigerant Changes
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act aims to reduce the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). R-410A, which contains HFCs, has been the go-to refrigerant for cooling systems since 2010. However, manufacturers will no longer be able to produce HVAC systems that use R-410A in the near future.
This shift will impact both the price and availability of HVAC systems, with costs expected to rise steadily. Homeowners needing a new cooling system soon should consider buying now while prices remain lower compared to those expected after 2025.
How Much More Expensive Will New AC Systems Be?
It’s natural for homeowners to wonder just how much more the new HVAC systems will cost. We wish we could tell you with certainty what the expected price increases will be, but exact prices are hard to predict. Experts expect that systems using R-454B could be up to 20% higher than comparable systems being sold today. This is due to the costs involved with the development of new manufacturing processes for systems that are compatible with R-454B.
The cost of repairs for refrigerant leaks is also expected to rise as the cost of R-410A increases due to decreased supply and increased demand. As R-410A becomes less accessible, recharging systems that use this refrigerant will become more costly. If your AC system develops a refrigerant leak and requires a top-off, you may pay more than you would today for that air conditioning repair.
If You Decide to Wait to Upgrade
If you choose to delay upgrading, it’s important to keep your current system well-maintained. We recommend annual maintenance for central air conditioners and twice-a-year tune-ups for heat pumps and mini splits. Consider joining our MVP Plan to make scheduling maintenance for your home comfort systems easy and stress-free.
When considering upgrading your AC before R-410A’s phase-out, several factors come into play. If your current system is newer and still functioning well, immediate replacement isn’t necessary. However, if it’s within the 8-10 year range–or older–upgrading now could make sense, especially considering the costs of potential repairs.
Not only that, but a new system will be more energy-efficient than one from a decade ago. While R-410A will still be available for servicing existing systems, newer refrigerants are more environmentally friendly, and aligning with HVAC industry trends toward greener refrigerants will be beneficial in the long term.
Not sure if you should upgrade or wait? Contact us for a professional and honest opinion that takes into account your existing HVAC system.
It’s No Sweat: Call Bayonet! Contact Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule HVAC installation in Lakewood Ranch, FL today!