If you’re a homeowner, you only have a few more weeks to replace your air conditioner with a newer model before costs are expected to rise. Due to a phase-out of a refrigerant in common use, AC manufacturers will have to spend more on research, development and manufacturing to meet new regulatory requirements.
These additional costs will factor into the prices for new AC units when the phase-out begins in January 2025, making now a great time to consider replacing your air conditioner unit.
What Is the Refrigerant Phase Out?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks to phase out the production and use of R-410A refrigerant in favor of alternatives that have a less serious environmental impact. R-410A is made of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are greenhouse gases that promote global warming.
R-410A was once considered an environmentally friendlier alternative to its predecessor (R-22) because that refrigerant has a high ozone depletion potential. While R-410A doesn’t harm the ozone layer, it contributes to global warming due to its HFC content.
Why Will a New Air Conditioner Be More Expensive?
The R-410A phase-out will likely lead to higher costs for consumers, especially those looking to replace or upgrade their air conditioning systems beginning in 2025. Industry experts anticipate that the price of new systems could increase by as much as 30% as manufacturers incur additional expenses in research, development and retooling.
Homeowners who delay their HVAC upgrades may encounter this elevated cost. Replacing an air conditioner with a more efficient, compliant model before the phase-out could offer significant savings.
Repairing an Older AC May Be More Expensive in the Future
Although there is a healthy stockpile of R-410A today, this supply will deplete, meaning repairs involving refrigerant could increase over time.
Why Can’t My AC Use the New Refrigerants?
Many air conditioners in use today were designed and built to use R-410A or even R-22. While it may be possible to retrofit an existing system to accept the new refrigerants, doing so won’t be as cost-effective as purchasing a new AC in most cases.
When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?
Depending on the current age of your system, replacing it now with a model that uses the new refrigerants might make the most financial sense. If your AC is 10 years old or older, it’s already approaching the expected end of its service life and may be due for replacement in a few years.
Other signs that it might be time to replace your AC include:
- Frequent repairs: if your air conditioner needs repairs regularly, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan. These costs can quickly add up, often totaling more than a replacement over time.
- Rising energy bills: older AC units tend to become less efficient with age, leading to higher energy bills with consistent use. A new unit often operates more efficiently, saving you money on your monthly utility costs.
- Inconsistent cooling: when some rooms feel too warm or too cold, your system may be struggling to keep up. Uneven cooling usually means the system is no longer operating efficiently.
- Use of outdated refrigerants: Units that use R-22 or even R-410A refrigerants may face challenges as these substances phase out. Newer units with environmentally friendlier refrigerants align with current regulations and can avoid rising repair costs.
If you need help understanding your options, our technicians are always available to assist you!
Contact Us Today to Learn More
Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar can provide a professional installation of your new AC unit. The cost of a new air conditioner is expected to rise by as much as 30% due to new refrigerant regulations, but you can avoid spending more in the future with an AC replacement before January 2025.
Valley has more than 60 years of experience providing homeowners like you with important home services. Whether you need help with heating, cooling, electrical or another home service, our trusted technicians can be there to deliver the excellent service you expect.
Send us a message today to learn more and schedule your next appointment.