2025 Freon Mandate Change & What It Means for Pennsylvania & Delaware Residents

There have been a few refrigerant mandates over the last decade, including the phase-out of R-22 and now R-410A. Here’s what this Freon mandate means for Pennsylvania and Delaware homeowners:

Starting in 2025, the EPA will enforce a new limit on the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants used in air conditioning, capping it at 750. Since R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, it will no longer be available for use in new equipment.

Here, we’ll outline this change, discuss R-454B, the primary refrigerant replacing R-410A, and its impact on home HVAC systems.

Which HVAC Systems Use Refrigerant?

Air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps all use refrigerant to transfer heat — either absorbing it from indoor air to cool your home or releasing it to provide heating.

Starting in 2025, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 will drive significant changes in refrigerant use. Under this act, the EPA will be required to phase out 85% of R-410A production and consumption by 2035.

Outdated vs. New Refrigerants

While A1 refrigerants, like R-410A, are non-toxic, they have a higher flammability risk.

R-454B, classified as an A2L refrigerant, has a lower flammability rating and is less likely to pose a risk of leaks since it’s been extensively tested for safety under pressure.

R-22

For decades, many home cooling systems have relied on a refrigerant called R-22, or Freon, to cool and regulate air.

While it was once the go-to refrigerant, concerns about its environmental impact — specifically its role in ozone layer depletion — led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin phasing it out in 2010.

R-410A

R-22 was gradually replaced by R-410A, a more eco-friendly refrigerant. Now, R-410A is facing similar scrutiny due to its high global warming potential (GWP) as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).

R-454B

Starting in 2025, R-454B will be the primary refrigerant for HVAC systems. It has a GWP of 466, making it a more sustainable option than R-410A. A2L refrigerants, including R-454B, will be the new standard moving forward.

How Are Homeowners Impacted by the Refrigerant Change?

You don’t have to replace your system immediately. However, you should if your system is nearing the end of its service life.

The EPA’s refrigerant transition in 2025 may result in higher upfront costs. However, its benefits can’t be overlooked. New refrigerants like R-454B include benefits such as:

• Improved environmental sustainability
• Improved energy efficiency
• Lower utility bills over time

Installing a new HVAC system will also help future-proof your home, as technicians can easily service and maintain modern cooling and heating units.

By meeting the latest refrigerant standards, your system will offer long-term reliability and better performance — without the need for retrofits or major service upgrades.

Other Contributors to Rising HVAC Equipment Costs

Refrigerant regulations and the transition to R-454B aren’t the only reasons HVAC costs are rising.

Updated efficiency standards — SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) and HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2) — apply to air conditioners and heat pumps and require more energy-efficient systems and advanced testing.

While these standards improve long-term performance and energy savings, they also increase manufacturing costs.

When you factor in rising raw material prices, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased consumer demand, it’s clear why HVAC equipment prices are seeing a steady increase.

Finance Your HVAC Replacement

As Freon mandates push rising costs for replacement or upgrades, homeowners still need new HVAC systems.

We understand the financial impact of such a major decision. That’s why Len The Plumber Heating & Air offers financing on approved credit and upfront pricing to guide you through the process.

Replace Your HVAC System in Philadelphia & the Delaware Valley

The best way to prepare for change is to stay informed. As homeowners in Pennsylvania and Delaware gear up for the 2025 refrigerant mandate and its upcoming changes, Len The Plumber Heating & Air is here to guide you every step of the way.

With over 25 years of home service experience, our experts are always ready to provide the care your home deserves. Our goal is to keep our customers’ lives moving through efficient, high-quality service.

If you’re considering an HVAC replacement or upgrade for your home, trust our expertise in system selection and installation.

Contact Len The Plumber Heating & Air today to replace your home’s HVAC system in Philadelphia or the Delaware Valley.