The new EPA refrigerant regulations for 2025 will phase out the use of high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants like R-410A, replacing them with more eco-friendly alternatives, such as
Starting in 2025, the HVAC industry will shift toward using refrigerants with a lower GWP. Among the most discussed replacements are R-32 and R-454B.
Cooling systems shifting from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be friendlier to the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming.
SEER ratings for AC units and heat pumps have increased from 13 to 14 in northern states and 14 to 15 SEER in the South and Southwest regions of the country. In terms of heating efficiency, air-source heat pumps have increased from 8.2 to 8.8 HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor).
Starting January 1, 2025, the manufacturing or importing of any product in specified sectors that uses a regulated substance with a global warming potential of 700 or greater is prohibited (40 C.F.R. § 84.54(a)). The specified sectors listed include R-410A, the most common refrigerant used in the HVAC industry.
R-454B. R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in HVAC manufacturing from 2010 until the phase-out is complete in January 2025.
R-410A PHASE-DOWN TIMELINE
We will reach a 70% decrease by 2029. In 2034, we will see 80% less R-410A being produced than it is today, and the phase-down will end in 2036 with another 5% reduction.
The standards have to keep evolving as the technology does or else we'd be stuck in the figurative stone age with our heating and cooling solutions. That's why the United States Department of Energy or DOE has decided to discontinue production of air conditioners with a SEER rating of 14.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
Repair: Older AC units typically have lower energy efficiency ratings (SEER), which means higher electricity costs. For instance, a 20-year-old unit may have a 10- or lower SEER.
The Lennox choices for 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B for whole-home systems and R-32 for mini-splits, both have a lower GWP than the previous refrigerant and are formulated to provide excellent, reliable performance of your system for years to come.
How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home? The costs range from $6,224 to $11,434, depending on the system type and installation requirements. Key factors include system size, type, efficiency, and local labor rates.
In December 2022, the EPA unveiled a refrigerant ban that will go into effect between 2025 and 2026 (depending on the industry). The result? R-410A is out, shaking up the HVACR industry, which relies heavily on this refrigerant.
For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.
No. R-454B is NOT a drop-in replacement for R-410A. Although many of the characteristics of R-454B are similar to R-410A, the use of R-454B is restricted by code and regulation to systems for which it was specifically designed.
Installing Your New HVAC Unit Replacement
The components installed may include the inside air handler or evaporator, outside compressor or condensing unit, new refrigerant supply lines, thermostat, condensate drain lines, and the condensate pump when applicable.
HVAC systems manufactured in 2025 and beyond will no longer use R-410A, the most common refrigerant in current residential air conditioning units and heat pumps. This is part of a global effort to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants that contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.
What Does the Mandate Call For? Overall, the 2025 HVAC Mandate calls for the phase-out of a refrigerant that is commonly used in today's air conditioners. This refrigerant, known as R-410A, was previously released as a more eco-friendly alternative to previous refrigerants.
In 2023, the minimum SEER ratings for central air conditioners increased to 14 SEER (13.4 SEER2) in the northern U.S. and 15 SEER (14.3 SEER2) in the southern U.S.
According to the Kobie SEER Energy Savings Calculator, a 16 SEER unit uses about 13% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as a 14 SEER unit of the same size. That means that for every $100 you'd pay to run your 14 SEER unit, you could save $13 by upgrading to a 16 SEER unit.
What SEER rating qualifies for tax credit 2024? Split ducted heat pumps and packaged heat pumps must meet a SEER2 rating of 15.2 or above. Non-ducted heat pumps must meet a SEER2 rating of 16 or above.
Two SEER-related changes began on January 1, 2023. First, the minimum SEER rating increased on HVAC equipment. Previously, new air conditioners required a minimum SEER of 13 in northern states and 14 in southern states. In 2023, it changed to 14 and 15, respectively.
How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.
HVAC Regulation and Refrigerant Changes
Starting in 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) raised the minimum energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems. For homeowners, this means that any new air conditioning unit installed must meet higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings.
ComStar's RS-53 (R470A) is the world's only drop-in retrofit replacement for existing R410a systems. At 909, RS-53 has a GWP that is effectively 56% lower than R410a. Additionally, RS-51 (R470B) has a GWP of 717 which is 80% lower than R404a, R507 and half of R448A and R449A.