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New Freon Mandates in 2025 Explained for Arizona Homeowners

Most homeowners don’t give much thought to the specific type of refrigerant their HVAC systems use, as long as they keep them cool, especially during our sweltering Arizona summers.

But the type of refrigerant your AC uses matters, both for your comfort and for the well-being of the planet. That’s why, in 2025, new HVAC systems will start using eco-friendly refrigerants as part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiative.

In this blog, the cooling experts at Penguin Air, Plumbing, and Electrical explain the upcoming Freon mandate and what it means for you.

What Are the 2025 Refrigerant Mandates?

AC refrigerants work in HVAC units to absorb and release heat. The refrigerant evaporates and condenses repeatedly while transferring heat from inside the house to the outdoors, creating a cooling effect in your home.

For decades, air conditioners used R-22 refrigerant — commonly known as Freon — before it was phased out in favor of R-410A. But now, the EPA is urging homeowners to upgrade to newer and more eco-friendly refrigerants, also known as A2L refrigerants.

The EPA will set a limit on the global warming potential (GWP) for air conditioning equipment starting in 2025. This measure aims to combat climate change by requiring new systems to use refrigerants with lower GWP.

How the New Mandates Affect Arizona Homeowners

While service parts and refrigerants will remain readily available if you own an HVAC system using the old R-410A, the phasing-out process will make new R-410A systems and parts increasingly difficult to find. Eventually, you’ll be forced to transition to a system that uses the new refrigerant.

As a homeowner who relies on your HVAC system to keep you cool throughout Arizona’s extreme heat, it’s in your best interest to upgrade to a newer HVAC system that uses lower GWP refrigerant now.

Options for Homeowners Under the New Mandates

If you have an older system that still uses R-22 or R-410A, talk to an HVAC company today about replacing it with a new, eco-friendly model. Some benefits of upgrading your system ahead of the 2025 mandate include:

• Energy efficiency: The new A2L refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454b, have a 78% lower global warming potential than previous refrigerants, which benefits both the environment and your wallet.
• Safety: A2L refrigerants have extremely low flammability, making them a safe alternative to older types of refrigerants commonly used in HVAC systems.
• Cost savings: Manufacturers will face higher production costs as units with lower GWP refrigerants require new designs, parts, and safety features — and as demand skyrockets with the new requirements. Homeowners may see up to 30% higher prices for new HVAC systems once the mandate takes effect, so upgrading now can help you snag a great price.

With lower global warming potential, enhanced efficiency, and better performance, upgrading to a unit that uses an A2L refrigerant will reduce your monthly energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Signs Your HVAC System Needs an Upgrade

Regardless of the 2025 mandate, you should upgrade your HVAC unit if you notice the telltale signs of a serious issue or declining performance. These signs include:

• Poor cooling in your home
• Higher-than-usual levels of humidity
• Long AC run times to maintain indoor temperatures
• Ice on the evaporator coil (located in your home near the AC’s air intake)

Let an HVAC technician know if you notice any of these issues. Once you upgrade your unit, make sure you stay on top of AC maintenance to keep it in great shape.

Choose Penguin Air for Your HVAC Needs in Phoenix, AZ

When you’re ready to upgrade your air conditioner, choose Penguin Air, Plumbing, and Electrical. We’re proud to be the AC contractors Phoenix residents can trust when they need expert air conditioning services.

Our experienced technicians can explain the 2025 refrigerant mandate, recommend the best new cooling units on the market, and handle every step of the installation.

We know that just because the EPA is urging everyone to upgrade their HVAC systems, it doesn’t mean your budget is ready to make the leap. That’s why we offer exclusive deals and convenient financing options to make replacing your AC as affordable as possible.

Contact Penguin Air online today to schedule AC installation in the Phoenix, AZ, area.