Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants.
On December 20, 2023, the EPA finalized and amended a rule that will allow one additional year (January 1, 2026) for the installation of new residential air conditioner and heat pump components manufactured or imported prior to January 1, 2025.
Efficiency ratings are regional, so the new HVAC regulations for 2024 depend on where you live. New air conditioners in Northern regions must have a minimum SEER rating of 14. In Southern regions, the minimum SEER rating is 15 for most units.
The new refrigerant changes in 2025 are part of a larger effort to make air conditioning systems more environmentally friendly, while still keeping homes comfortable. These changes are being driven by regulations to phase out older refrigerants like R-410A, which have a high global warming potential (GWP).
New Restrictions on Refrigerant
California passed legislation in 2018 that banned high global warming potential (GWP) HFCs, mirroring previous federal bans. California HVAC regulations announced in 2022 require: Equipment with over 50 pounds of refrigerant to use coolant with a GWP of less than 150.
This move technically went into effect on January 1st, 2023, so it's already been a year. Under the DOE rules, US HVAC manufactures will discontinue production of SEER 14 units, and they can no longer sell any units with that rating, either.
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. These new systems are designed to have a lower global warming potential (GWP).
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
AC systems typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed this age range, it might be time to consider a replacement. Older systems tend to be less reliable and more expensive to operate.
In the first half of 2024 we'll phase out our R-410A dedicated models and introduce -01 refrigerant versatile models, compatible with both R-410A and R-454B refrigerants.
There are many different kinds of heating and cooling systems you can use in your house. Central Air Conditioners. Since January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14.
In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. It means that, if the outdoor conditions are at 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat at no less than 75 degrees.
Minimum SEER Ratings for 2024
However, to qualify, homeowners must select systems that are ENERGY STAR®-certified and exceed these SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 minimums: Split system AC: 16 SEER2. Packaged AC: 15.2 SEER2 and 11.5 EER2. Ducted split heat pump: 15.2 SEER2, 7.8 HSPF2, and 11.7 EER2.
Yes – universally, new air conditioners and installation will be noticeably more expensive in 2025. You will save significant dollars by buying and installing now.
During spring and fall, most people aren't running their HVAC systems as often which, in turn, means HVAC companies are not as busy and are not selling as many new units. This drop in demand enables them to offer deals on their services and equipment.
Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.
It costs an average of $5,955 to install a new AC, but prices commonly range from $3,906 to $8,016, depending on the unit's size and type. A pro can provide an accurate quote based on your needs. The key to beating the heat this summer is running a good AC.
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. These refrigerants perform similarly to traditional refrigerants like R-410A but with a significantly lower environmental impact.
Age. On average, the Department of Energy says the majority of air conditioners run for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it's well past the halfway point.
Several HVAC manufacturers have officially declared upcoming price hikes for 2024, garnering attention as a new wave of increases takes effect. There is a noticeable industry-wide trend of manufacturers elevating the prices of equipment, parts, and supplies.
A Class A contractor license allows you to work on any size unit. A Class B contractor license allows you to work on cooling systems of no more than 25 tons and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs/hour or less.
Why do You Need to be HVAC Certified? California law requires it to legally be licensed to perform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work. The job possibilities of an HVAC technician may improve if certifications are available. Paid more.