At Comfort First Heating & Cooling, we’re passionate about helping North Carolina homeowners save money and make their homes more energy-efficient. That’s why we stay on top of changing standards in the HVAC industry and keep our clients informed.
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 has new refrigerant requirements for HVAC systems that will start in 2025. These changes will result in more efficient cooling and a lower carbon footprint, but they also come with a higher price tag.
Comfort First is here to explain the changes and what it means for you.
Why Are HVAC Equipment Costs Rising?
Refrigerant regulations and updated SEER2/HSPF2 standards mean that the overall costs of HVAC equipment are continuing to rise, which can hit homeowners hard.
Other issues impacting the industry include:
- Raw material prices
- Supply chain disruption issues
- Higher consumer demand
- Skilled labor shortages
R-22 vs. R-410A vs. R-454B
The refrigerant that your HVAC system uses to cool your home matters:
- R-22, or Freon, was used in HVAC equipment for a long time and was phased out in 2020 due to its harmful environmental impacts.
- R-410A, or Puron, which was the primary refrigerant used from 2020 to 2024, will no longer be widely available. Starting in 2025, R-410A will no longer be manufactured or imported to the U.S.
- R-454B, the primary refrigerant to replace these environmentally harmful refrigerants, is more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
What Does the Refrigerant Change Mean for Homeowners?
R-454B, the newest refrigerant, will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in current HVAC manufacturing.
If you have an HVAC unit manufactured after 2013, it likely uses R-410A. If you’re not sure, you can find out what refrigerant your system uses by checking your owner’s manual or the data plate on the outside unit.
When the time comes to replace your HVAC system, you’ll want to choose one that uses the new, more energy-efficient R-454B refrigerant. Systems that use R-454B will come at a higher price tag, but they also come with advantages, like:
- Improved energy-efficiency
- Lower utility bills
- Reduced environmental impact
- More reliable system performance
If you’re not ready to upgrade your system but require HVAC repairs, don’t worry — you’ll still be able to get service for your older HVAC equipment.
Finance Your HVAC Replacement
Any time you need to replace an HVAC unit, you worry about the hit your wallet will take. That’s why the Comfort First team offers convenient financing options for our customers in North Carolina. Our financing partners offer flexible payment options for every budget and situation.
Through these options, you can finance new HVAC equipment, including:
- Air conditioners
- Ductless mini-splits
- Heat pumps
When it’s time for a new HVAC system, take the sting off rising equipment costs and changing regulations with no-hassle financing options from Comfort First. Talk to a member of our team today to learn more about HVAC financing.
Choose Comfort First for HVAC Replacement in North Carolina
Replacing your old HVAC system while keeping up with the newest regulations is easy when you let Comfort First handle the installation. With over 50 years of experience, our team can provide all the information you need to understand the changing refrigerant requirements and make the best choice for your home’s new system.
You can count on us for industry-leading installation guarantees, including our:
- Home comfort guarantee
- Home protection guarantee
- No-surprises guarantee
- Anti-aggravation guarantee
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Two-year 100% money-back guarantee
Get upfront pricing on a new HVAC system for your North Carolina home. Contact Comfort First today to schedule a heating or cooling system installation.
We proudly serve homeowners in the Jacksonville, Charlotte, Outer Banks, Triangle, and Triad areas.
