As the nation begins to phase out current refrigerants in favor of more eco-friendly options, homeowners in Dayton may be wondering how their HVAC systems will be impacted. Luckily, new refrigerant mandates from the Environmental Protection Agency only apply to HVAC manufacturers, meaning homeowners with older systems will not be required to upgrade. However, when the time does come to update your old central air, heat pump, or ductless mini-splits, it’s important to understand how these new mandates have impacted the industry.
In this article, the HVAC experts at Ace Hardware Home Services discuss what changed with refrigerant in 2025, the benefits of switching to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, and the ways in which these changes will affect you.
Why Did HVAC Refrigerants Change in 2025?
Refrigerants have long contributed to climate change. The first to be phased out due to its damaging properties was freon. This refrigerant was a potent greenhouse gas that depleted the ozone. In an effort to move toward greater sustainability, the EPA created guidelines that replaced freon with R-410A. However, R-410A, while better for the ozone, still had a high global warming potential (GWP). That’s why, as of 2025, the EPA has created a new mandate that requires HVAC manufacturers to use newer, more eco-friendly options, including R-454B and R-32.
New Refrigerants: R-454B & R-32
New HVAC systems will now use either R-454B or R-32 refrigerants. Both have much less impact on the climate in comparison to R-410A and its GWP of 2,088. R-32 is a pure refrigerant that has a GWP of 675, while R-454B is a blended refrigerant with a GWP of 466. These refrigerants allow your new HVAC system to operate at maximum efficiency to help you lower your energy bills while also helping the planet.
How Will the Change Impact Me?
EPA mandates are for manufacturers, not homeowners. However, that does not mean that Dayton homeowners won’t be impacted. Here are things to consider about the refrigerant changes:
- Rising cost of repairs: As R-410A and systems that use it are phased out, parts and refrigerant will become more difficult to source for necessary repairs.
- Necessary maintenance: To avoid costly repairs, it’s more important than ever that homeowners schedule routine maintenance. These tune-ups allow technicians to catch and fix issues while they’re still small and can help your current system last longer.
- Benefits of a new system: While the investment in a new HVAC system is not small, there are many benefits homeowners will experience if they make the switch. This includes greater energy efficiency and reliability.
Choose Our Team for Expert HVAC Services
If you need help deciphering refrigerant mandates, trust the knowledgeable team at Ace Hardware Home Services. Our experts can assess your Dayton home’s current system and provide you with honest advice and recommendations. Plus, if it’s time to replace your outdated unit, we offer free estimates and a variety of promotions to help you save.
Schedule AC services for your Dayton home by calling Ace Hardware Home Services today.
