2025 HVAC Updates
Upcoming Changes to HVAC Refrigerants: What You Need to Know About A2L
In 2025, the HVAC industry will transition to a new class of refrigerants known as A2Ls in an effort to reduce environmental impact. A2L refrigerants are designed with lower global warming potential, but they come with additional considerations. Here’s what you need to know:
- Mildly Flammable Properties: A2L refrigerants are classified as “mildly flammable,” which means HVAC systems will require new handling protocols, additional sensors, and advanced safety features. These changes will increase overall costs, estimated at 15-20% more than current systems.
- New Safety and Compliance Measures: Due to these new properties, A2L systems will require specialized training for technicians, along with new safety guidelines and equipment, to ensure proper handling and installation.
- R-410A Phase-Out: With this transition, production of current R-410A refrigerant systems will stop. However, some stock of R-410A units will remain available into early 2025, offering a proven and reliable option without the added costs and handling requirements of A2Ls.
Important Update: Transition to A2l Refrigerants in 2025
As part of the ongoing push for environmentally friendly solutions, the HVAC industry will be transitioning to A2L refrigerants in 2025. This shift is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it brings significant changes in how HVAC systems are handled, installed, and maintained. Here’s everything you need to know:
What Are A2L Refrigerants?
A2L refrigerants are a new class of environmentally friendly refrigerants designed to have a lower global warming potential (GWP) than previous refrigerants like R-410A. While this is a positive step for the environment, A2L refrigerants come with “mildly flammable” properties. As a result, they require additional safety features, compliance measures, and handling protocols to ensure safe usage in homes and businesses.
How Will This Impact Your HVAC System?
- Higher Equipment Costs: Due to the additional safety sensors and control systems required for handling A2L refrigerants, the cost of new HVAC systems using these refrigerants is expected to increase by about 15-20%.
- New Compliance and Safety Requirements: With mild flammability as a consideration, systems using A2L refrigerants must be installed and maintained by technicians who have completed specialized training. This also involves additional safety protocols, which may affect maintenance times and handling processes.
- Discontinuation of R-410A Systems: As the industry moves to A2L refrigerants, production of R-410A systems is expected to halt. However, some inventory of R-410A systems will remain available through early 2025. These systems have been extensively tested, are known for their reliability, and do not require the added safety or handling measures that A2L refrigerants will need.
Why Now May Be the Best Time to Upgrade
For those considering an upgrade, now may be the ideal time to invest in a new R-410A system while it’s still available. Here’s why:
- Proven Performance: R-410A has been a reliable industry standard for years. It is non-flammable, safe, and requires no special handling beyond routine maintenance.
- Lower Upfront Costs: By upgrading to an R-410A system now, you can avoid the added costs that will come with A2L refrigerants. This can represent significant savings on installation and long-term maintenance.
- Smooth Transition: Upgrading now allows you to avoid the upcoming changes altogether, securing a system with a simpler, established maintenance routine and avoiding the need for specialized service.
How Can We Help?
At Lewis Air, we’re here to guide you through these changes, helping you understand your options and the benefits of each choice. If you’d like to learn more about A2L refrigerants, the R-410A phase-out, or discuss an upgrade to your current system, please reach out to us. We’re committed to keeping your HVAC systems running smoothly and reliably, with options that meet both your comfort and budget needs.
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Read what our customers are saying about our services.
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“My Lennox HVAC unit is covered by my home warranty company and I tried multiple times in getting a repair date of the unit. It was getting colder for the holidays, therefore I called Lewis Air (a local company) and spoke with their very emphatic and professional call center for an appointment. The next day Jeffrey came out, inspected the unit, installed the part and had the unit producing heat within 15 minutes. Thanks Lewis Air for your excellent customer service. Note: It’s week 4 and to date, I have not heard from the home warranty company or their HVAC vendor that should have made the repairs.”- Lori
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Technician Blake quickly assessed the problem with my AC system and quickly made the needed repairs. Was pretty painless:)- ChuckMission Viejo, CA
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ONCE AGAIN, Lewis Air came through for us. Lewis Air has been helpful to us on more than one occasion with one being this week. Even though they were slammed during super hot days they gave us attention and helped us get our A/C going again! Super personable and kind as well as being experts in the business.- OCPWLake Forest, CA
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As a business owners ourselves, we wanted to let you know how grateful we are. your crew was fantastic they laughed the entire time they were working. It was wonderful to hear them. They worked well as a cohesive unit. Worked clean and used good time management. The install was complete in half the time expected. The system you recommended is amazing! The house cooled right down. I can't believe how quiet it is. Blake was clear with the thermostat instructions and very knowledgeable on the product. Your crew professionally handled themselves and were extremely courteous.- Jason & Monique M.CA
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Blake is a very nice young man. He was very knowledgeable and helped me out. He understood I was a disabled Marine and even set my attic exhaust fan temperature to help the ac unit and attic to be cooler. He found the problem I had with my unit immediately after other techs always thought they knew what was the problem. He even gave me a veteran discount on the labor. Lewis Air always does a good job and I'm glad I do business with them and bought a complete furnace and ac unit from them Michael Browne 6 Bootstrap Court Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679- Browne FamilyTrabuco Canyon, CA
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Very professional and exceptional service. We had a total A/C failure and Lewis Air was quick to replace the old unit. Techs thorough and the work great value all around. The same team replaced the A/C unit at my daughter's home soon thereafter. Highly recommend their service!- Mark CAliso Viejo, CA
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This is the only call you need to make when you need A/C service. We got three quotes for our 20-year-old system, and Lewis' was the best. Not only for the price, but for the options. One guy wanted to replace all of our ducts, one guy wanted to relocate an air return, and Lewis Air told us that extra work was not necessary. They guarantee their work, have been in business for decades, and are right up the street from my house, so I knew they were being honest about what needed to be done. They were responsive with a quote, scheduled quickly (it was not hot yet, so they may be busier in summer), and their guys were efficient and courteous during the installation. They helped us through the city permit process as well, and when the city changed their requirements, Lewis Air came back out promptly and fixed the minor items to meet the new requirements. Plus, our A/C unit is more efficient, quieter, and (yes) prettier than the monstrosity that was on our backyard before. Save yourself time and money by calling Lewis Air before you call anyone else.- Jenn S.
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My equipment is working fabulous and I highly recommend this company to everyone.- Susan W.