With the intense heat and humidity in Florida, an effective air conditioning system is essential to maintaining a comfortable home. However, the refrigerants that make air conditioning possible often have negative environmental effects.

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 seeks to minimize the damage by replacing the most dangerous refrigerants with more environmentally friendly alternatives. These changes went into effect on January 1, 2025, and may affect the purchase of your next air conditioner, heat pump, or ductless mini-split.

What Are A2L Refrigerants?

A2L refrigerants are synthetic or blended refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP). While they’re slightly more flammable than A1 refrigerants like R-22, they’re still incredibly safe.

A2L refrigerants have been used overseas and in window units for years. Moving forward, this refrigerant class will be used for all newly manufactured HVAC units.

Outdated vs. New Refrigerants

R-22 was one of the most common refrigerants until 2010. It’s been phased out over the last 10 years because it’s harmful to the environment. R-22 can break down the earth’s ozone layer, which helps filter out UV radiation. The manufacture and import of R-22 was banned in 2020.

R-410A is a more environmentally friendly replacement for R-22. It doesn’t have the same effects on the ozone layer but still has high global warming potential. R-410A’s phaseout began in 2025.

These refrigerants will be replaced primarily by R-454B, which has negligible GWP while providing efficient and effective cooling. R-32 has similar benefits and will also be used moving forward, although primarily in ductless mini-splits.

What Does the Refrigerant Change Mean for Homeowners?

As a homeowner, these refrigerant standards will impact you differently, especially if you need to upgrade your AC.

Benefits include:

• Lower carbon footprint: With a modern refrigerant, new ACs will have less of an impact on the environment
• Future-proofing: By upgrading to a system with the latest refrigerants now, you’ll have a new, energy-efficient system that will last for a decade or more.

Considerations include:

• Higher replacement costs: As manufacturers adapt to the new standards, new ACs may cost up to 30% more.
• Low availability: As demand increases for compliant AC systems, shortages or delays may hinder new installations.
• Difficulty maintaining outdated systems: Repair and maintenance for older equipment will become more expensive as stockpiled R-22 and R-410A become less available.

Why Are HVAC Equipment Costs Rising?

The rise in HVAC costs can be traced to several factors. The largest impacts are due to the new refrigerant mandates, which mean large, costly changes to the manufacturing process and more expensive refrigerants.

Another major factor is the new SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency requirements. If you upgrade your HVAC system, you’ll need to install one that’s more efficient than what was previously required, which increases the cost of the equipment.

Other factors include:

• Increasing raw material prices due to inflation
• Supply chain disruptions that affect parts availability and cost
• Increased demand for efficient HVAC equipment
• Labor shortages that hinder the production process

Altogether, this results in HVAC equipment prices that have risen as much as 100% since 2020, with more increases likely as the new refrigerant standards go into effect.

Finance Your HVAC Replacement

Is your HVAC system due for an upgrade? United Air Temp offers financing options to make your HVAC replacement more convenient and budget-friendly. With approved credit, you can access:

• Low down payments
• Low interest rates
• Low monthly payments

Request HVAC Replacement in Florida

When you need a skilled team to replace your HVAC system in Orlando, turn to our experts at United Air Temp. We offer professional HVAC installations and replacements with free estimates and 100% guaranteed satisfaction.

Our company has been a leader in home comfort since 1931. Our experienced technicians value customer service and provide top-quality work on every job.

We have exceptional customer reviews, as well as specials and discounts to help you save money. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency AC service when you need us most.

Call United Air Temp to schedule your HVAC replacement in Orlando today.