As we welcome 2025, many new changes have already begun to take effect. For homeowners, one of them involves your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. While there’s nothing for you to do as a homeowner right now, this is important information that you should know. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a change in refrigerant for newly manufactured HVAC systems.
Essentially, this change is part of the agency's effort to reduce greenhouse gases and help protect our climate. Read more to understand what’s happening and how you or your business can be affected by this change.
What's changing in 2025?
Let's explain how refrigerants work and why the EPA is making this update. Refrigerant is the working fluid used in HVAC systems. It is a chemical compound that changes temperature as it transitions between liquid and gas form —cooling as it vaporizes and heating up as it condenses. This property facilitates a system's ability to heat and cool.
Here’s a breakdown on what exactly is changing:
- Every refrigerant is given a global warming potential (GWP) that reflects its impact on the environment. The lower the GWP, the better.
- As of January 1st, 2025, the allowable GWP limit for refrigerants in newly manufactured residential HVAC systems will be 700.
- There's an important update to the R-410A refrigerant. Since it has a very high GWP, it is being phased down, and HVAC manufacturers will no longer be allowed to build systems that use it. Instead, they must start using lower-GWP alternatives such as R-454B and R-32.
It's important to know that the GWP varies based on the greenhouse gas and the timeframe for comparison designated by the EPA (20 years, 100 years or 500 years). For example, 20 years focuses on the short-term impact of greenhouse gases and the other ranges represent the long-term effect.
Why does it matter? Well, simply put, it matters because of the impact refrigerants can have on the environment. GWP is a measure of how much heat a gas can trap in the atmosphere over a certain period of time. It's a proven way to examine a gas's effect on global warming.
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What does this mean for HVAC systems?
Before we continue, it’s important to know that the major urgency for the HVAC mandate will fall on HVAC manufacturers. As a homeowner, you won’t have to go out and buy a new HVAC system immediately or make any drastic changes.
This new HVAC mandate means that manufacturers must adapt and design new systems. Transitioning to new refrigerants will improve the environment and 2025 HVAC systems must be updated to include added safety features, such as leak detection, flame arrestors and more sensors than before.
These updates will likely make HVAC systems more expensive, and technicians will need special training to handle the refrigerants safely.
Knowing you have no reason for worry or panic is essential as a homeowner. This change from the EPA shouldn’t disrupt your peace of mind as a homeowner, but rather improve HVAC systems while protecting the environment.
What does this mean for homeowners?
As we stated above, as a homeowner, you have no reason to worry or feel the need to replace your HVAC system if your existing system is functioning well. At Cinch Home Services, we want to always do our best to keep you informed.
Beginning January 1, 2025, all new residential HVAC units must use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP), such as R-454B or R-32. Additionally, the use of R-410A refrigerant will be phased out, with an 85% decrease by 2036. This means R-410A will gradually become more difficult to source over time.
However, if your current HVAC system is functioning well and in good condition, there's no need to rush for a replacement. Existing systems will still be supported with repairs, and replacement parts will be available, depending on your system type.
We’re here for you
As we shift toward more sustainable HVAC solutions, homeowners can rest easy knowing that Cinch Home Services is fully committed to supporting the new refrigerant mandate and its environmental benefits.
Some of our home warranty plans* are designed to cover certain HVAC repairs and replacements. With our reliable HVAC coverage, you'll have the protection you need more than ever before. We're here to guide you through the 2025 refrigerant mandate and ensure your home stays comfortable all year long with the right coverage.
*The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.
The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
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