{"id":1286,"date":"2024-12-18T19:28:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T00:28:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lentheplumber.com\/washington-dc-area\/?p=1286"},"modified":"2025-04-04T00:17:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T04:17:25","slug":"2025-changes-to-freon-requirements-for-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lentheplumber.com\/washington-dc-area\/blog\/2025-changes-to-freon-requirements-for-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Freon Mandate Change & What It Means for Washington D.C. Residents"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Air<\/a>As our nation looks to reduce our impact on the planet and mitigate climate change, several steps have been taken to regulate the HVAC industry.<\/p>\n

Regulations have gone through several phases, first to phase out R-22 Freon and now to phase out R-410A Puron in favor of a more eco-friendly refrigerant \u2014 R-454B. For Washington D.C. residents, this means new, energy-efficient HVAC systems that contribute to a more environmentally conscious future.<\/p>\n

The HVAC experts at Len The Plumber Heating & Air can help you navigate the new regulatory changes for 2025 and understand how these new mandates will impact the future of the HVAC industry.<\/p>\n

Which HVAC Systems Use Refrigerants?<\/h2>\n

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 attempts to phase out the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), as these greenhouse gases contribute to global warming.<\/p>\n

Since refrigerants used in HVAC equipment emit these HFCs, the AIM Act affects air conditioners<\/a>, ductless mini-splits<\/a>, and heat pumps<\/a>.<\/p>\n

R-454B vs. Other Refrigerants<\/h2>\n

R-22<\/h3>\n

Before 2020, many HVAC systems used R-22, or Freon. However, this refrigerant has significant ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a high global warming potential (GWP). That’s why it was phased out by January 2020 and replaced with R-410A.<\/p>\n

R-410A<\/h3>\n

Like R-22, R-410A is an A1 refrigerant with high GWP. However, it has no ODP. While this was a step in the right direction, there was still an issue with these refrigerants leading to global warming.<\/p>\n

R-454B<\/h3>\n

Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, R-410A will no longer be manufactured or imported and will be replaced by R-454B. This A2L refrigerant has a significantly lower GWP than R-410A while offering similar efficiency and performance.<\/p>\n

With the switch to R-454B, new HVAC equipment will be manufactured to be compatible with A2L refrigerants.<\/p>\n

How Are Homeowners Impacted By the Refrigerant Change?<\/h2>\n

The AIM Act’s mandates regarding refrigerants will primarily impact the HVAC industry, as homeowners who currently have systems that use an outdated refrigerant aren’t required to replace them.<\/p>\n

However, when homeowners upgrade to new HVAC equipment, it will be to a system that uses R-454B. Because of the time and labor that goes into developing these new systems, homeowners should expect to see an increase in HVAC equipment costs.<\/p>\n

Despite higher installation costs of R-454B systems, they have many benefits, such as:<\/p>\n