HVAC News

At Peters Associates, we’re all about educating our customers to help you make informed decisions about your home comfort! Here, we track changes in the HVAC industry and share relevant news with you.

2025 HVAC Refrigerant Changes

Starting back in 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act became law. This started a 15-year plan to decrease hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in HVAC and other applications. The impact on the HVAC industry is that the commonly used R-410A refrigerant is going to be phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly options.

Additionally, the EPA is establishing a 750 global warming potential (GWP) limit on air conditioners for 2025. As a result, R-410A won’t be able to be used in new air conditioners. So, what does all this mean for homeowners?

These changes are a big win for the environment, but they also mean that the HVAC industry will be changing, too. Where homeowners will feel that change the most is when repairing or replacing their air conditioners. As new systems need to use what are known as “A2L” refrigerants (more eco-friendly!), and old refrigerant will no longer be produced, costs will likely increase.

Cost Considerations for New & Old Air Conditioners

If your current air conditioner uses an older refrigerant like R-410A, you don’t need to replace it. However, the cost of old refrigerant will increase because of a continued decrease in supply. This means older systems may cost more to repair and maintain.

For homeowners looking to upgrade or replace their current air conditioner, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, newer technology can mean new safety standards and installation methods that may require more labor. Second, the newer refrigerants will require new piping (lines), so installation costs can rise as a result. Finally, newer technology generally costs more. For the first few years, demand will probably be higher than supply, which can mean longer wait times for repairs and replacements.

Should I Replace My R-410A AC System Now?

Not necessarily! If your current air conditioner uses a soon-to-be-outdated refrigerant but otherwise serves you well, you’re probably fine to enjoy its remaining years. If your current system is more than 10–15 years old or doesn’t keep you comfortable, however, it might be worth investigating a newer system sooner rather than later. It really depends on your current system and comfort needs. As always, Peters Associates is glad to answer your questions and provide honest, low-pressure advice.

2023 Energy Efficiency Changes

2023 brought some significant changes where residential air conditioning and heat pump products are concerned. Starting January 1, 2023, minimum SEER rating and testing requirements changed throughout the U.S. The changes affect HVAC companies and homeowners alike, but ultimately those changes are for the better, especially where environmental impact and energy savings are concerned.

Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with HVAC energy efficiency standards — we’re here to cut through the jargon and explain what’s useful for you to know. At Peters Associates, we want you to be comfortable with every heating and cooling decision you make. We’d be delighted to give you advice on the latest regulations and how they affect you as a homeowner.

The New SEER Standards & What They Mean

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is an efficiency measurement used to monitor an HVAC unit’s expected energy output per year. Under the 2022 regulations, the minimum efficiency standards for new air conditioning installations were 13.0 SEER in Northern U.S. areas and 14.0 SEER in the South. If you’re not sure what your AC system’s SEER rating is, check your unit’s label, which should list the SEER rating along with other specs. If not, and you know your HVAC model number, you can look it up online.

From January 2023, HVAC professionals are only permitted to install systems with a minimum SEER of 14.0 in the North and a minimum SEER of 15.0 in the South. Heat pump systems are also covered under these regulatory changes.

A good rule of thumb when choosing a new AC system: the higher the SEER, the higher the efficiency, and the more money you can save on running costs. For example, an AC system with a 16 SEER will be around 13% more efficient than a system with a 14 SEER, which could bring savings of around $50 a year on your electricity bill.

Do I Need to Replace My Existing System Now?

If you’re worried that you need to replace your existing air conditioning system to meet the new regulations, don’t be. These standards only come into play if your system fails and you need a new one. Your HVAC professional will help you understand what the new SEER regulations mean, which system will be suitable for the size of your home and its insulation, and the energy savings you can enjoy after upgrading.

Enjoy All the Benefits of an Efficient AC System

If you’re considering a new AC system but you’re not sure where to turn or which system will be best, give the team at Peters Associates a call at (215) 201-4711">(215) 201-4711. We’re glad to inform you about recent changes and how they affect you as a homeowner. Discover the energy and money you could save when you upgrade to a more efficient system. We keep up with the latest advances and changes so that we can provide the absolute best service to you.