
Older HVAC equipment uses refrigerants that emit hydrofluorocarbon gases, which contribute to global warming. These gases can have adverse environmental effects, polluting the air and affecting climate patterns.
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM) addresses these issues. It aims to reduce the impact of HFCs on the environment by phasing out their production and import. It’s an important step in:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Promoting the development and use of alternative, less dangerous refrigerants
- Supporting American innovation and manufacturing in the HVAC industry
Like other areas of the country, homeowners in Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia will feel the effects of the AIM Act. Here’s what you need to know:
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The AIM Act has several implications for homeowners, especially those replacing air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps.
Freon, aka R-22, has been a staple HVAC refrigerant for decades. However, its environmental impact has led to stringent regulations over the years:
- Concerns about R-22’s ozone-depleting potential date back to the 1980s when HCFs were found to be depleting the ozone layer.
- The Environmental Protection Agency began phasing out R-22 in 2010, reducing its production and import by 15% annually.
- Since Jan. 1, 2020, R-22 has not been manufactured. Existing systems could still operate with R-22, but maintenance became more challenging and expensive due to limited supply and higher costs.
The AIM Act and the EPA have instituted new requirements regarding the use and management of A1 refrigerants, including R-22 Freon and R-410A Puron. This includes a complete phase-out, strict recycling and disposal guidelines, regular maintenance and leak detection, and, ultimately, a transition to alternative A2L refrigerants like R-454B.
In addition, HVAC professionals must receive training and certification to handle the new alternatives and comply with regulations.
What Does the Refrigerant Change Mean for Homeowners?
If you’re a DC or Northern Virginia homeowner, complying with the conversion mandate will impact you immediately if you’re nearing the time for HVAC replacement.
Let’s start with the positive impact of the AIM Act:
- A lower carbon footprint: Less hazardous refrigerants mean new HVAC systems that are more environmentally friendly.
- Future-minded: Upgrading to a new system now that uses the latest refrigerants means you don’t need to worry about future phase-outs.
Additional considerations of this refrigerant change include:
- Higher equipment costs: The transition to new refrigerants and higher efficiency standards will likely lead to increases of up to 30% in the cost of AC units, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps. However, the long-term benefits of reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact should outweigh these initial costs.
- Equipment shortages: As demand rises for compliant systems, we might experience low availability or delays that slow down new installations.
- Expensive retrofits: Upgrading your existing cooling system to meet new standards could cost you more as older refrigerants become less available.
R-454B vs. Other Refrigerants
Once the most widely used refrigerant in HVAC systems, R-22 was banned from production and import in 2020. Many R-22 systems have been retrofitted so they can continue to be used.
R-410A, a more ozone-friendly product, replaced it, but it still had a high global warming potential (GWP). R-410A will also be phased out by 2025 and replaced by R-454B.
R-454B is a newer, more eco-friendly refrigerant with a much lower GWP, making it a preferred alternative for future cooling systems. Unlike its predecessors, which fall under the A1 non-flammable classification, R-454B is part of the A2L refrigerant class, which is mildly flammable though safe to use.
Top Factors Contributing to Rising HVAC Equipment Costs
Higher HVAC equipment costs are driven by several key factors. One of the most significant is the new refrigerant regulations.
Another is updated efficiency standards, including SEER2 and HSPF2, which require manufacturers to implement costly changes and produce more energy-efficient systems. That, in turn, affects installation costs as manufacturers push that cost to consumers.
Beyond regulations, price hikes due to increasing raw material prices, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and high consumer demand for energy-efficient units are further straining production.
Altogether, these factors have led to significant increases in HVAC equipment costs over the past few years, and homeowners should expect additional increases in the coming years as new refrigerant standards go into effect.
Finance Your HVAC Replacement
Is it time to upgrade or replace your home’s HVAC system? United Air Temp offers convenient financing options that make for a more budget-friendly experience. With approved credit, you can enjoy:
- Low down payments
- Low interest rates
- Low monthly payments
Why Choose United Air Temp for HVAC Replacement?
If you’re gearing up to replace your DC or Northern Virginia home’s heating and cooling system, trust the skilled team at United Air Temp. We provide professional HVAC installation and replacement, free estimates, and 100% guaranteed satisfaction.
Since 1931, we’ve been a leader in home comfort products and services, delivering exceptional results on every job. Our friendly and skilled technicians are dedicated to outstanding customer care, and our stellar reviews speak for themselves.
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Schedule your HVAC replacement with United Air Temp today.
