The buzz about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations on lessening the use and emissions of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants has been in the news off and on for the past several years. The EPA regulations will impact the timelines of production and distribution of HVAC equipment used in home and business settings. What do these regulations mean for you, the consumer? The regulations impact how HFCs are used in air conditioners and heat pumps–the same ones used in the homes in your neighborhood.
As a homeowner in Crandall, TX, or the surrounding area, you understand that the Texas weather can be brutal, causing you to rely on your air conditioner or home comfort system all year long. At Accurate Home Services, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make good decisions about your home comfort system. Whether you’re interested in a new AC installation or want to know how to best keep your AC running smoothly, find out more about how these EPA regulations affect your home comfort system decisions.
EPA Regulations on HFCs
First, let’s take it back a few years. In 2020, the U.S. enacted the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which directed the EPA to address the production and consumption of HFC refrigerants. The AIM Act promises to phase down refrigerants that are deemed harmful to the environment, increase the efficiency of air conditioning and heating equipment, and encourage technological innovations so that fewer HFCs would be needed going forward.
The EPA’s most recent regulations include the reduction of high global warming potential (GWP) HFC refrigerants. By 2036, the EPA plans to have reduced HFC emissions by 85%. The EPA has also set limits for new air conditioners and HVAC equipment that is manufactured after certain dates. Additionally, the regulations introduce certification and training requirements for HVAC technicians regarding refrigerant management and HVAC maintenance. Let’s continue discussing these changes below.
HFC Refrigerant Phase Out Timelines
Certain hydrofluorocarbons with high GWP are used as refrigerants in air conditioners and heat pumps, and with its regulations, the EPA has put measures in place to limit the manufacture and distribution of these – including the commonly used R410, which is set to be phased out by 2025. EPA regulations will require all split systems using refrigerants above 700 GWP (Global Warming Potential) to be installed before January 1, 2025. In December 2023, the EPA amended a rule that would give manufacturers and HVAC contractors time to sell through existing stocks of HVAC equipment with outdated refrigerant. This allowed an additional year (January 1, 2026) for the installation of new residential air conditioner and heat pump components manufactured or imported prior to January 1, 2025.
How does the timeline of HVAC system installations affect you? Timing your HVAC installation and understanding these regulations is extremely important. As new regulation-approved HVAC units come onto the market and the current systems are phased out, consumers might notice some pricing changes. At Accurate Home Services, we’re committed to providing you with all the information on installation timing and price. When looking to install a new heat pump or air conditioning system, Accurate Home Services can advise you on all your options. We’ll consider where the equipment will fit, the size of your home, how much heating and cooling you need, and how energy-efficient you’d like your new air conditioning system to be.
Refrigerant Leak Detection Provisions
EPA regulations also implement strict leak repair provisions for HFC refrigerants. This is an attempt to minimize refrigerant leaks in residential and commercial HVAC systems. The regulations require homeowners and businesses to have leaks repaired when they exceed a certain threshold. The provision also mandates that HVAC technicians use proper leak detection and repair practices to prevent the release of any harmful refrigerants. Under the new provisions, technicians are required to maintain detailed records of refrigerant use, storage, and disposal in order to comply with EPA rules.
You might have a refrigerant leak if you notice any of the following: higher electrical bills, increased humidity in your home, your AC isn’t cooling enough, or you have a frozen evaporator coil. We offer supreme AC maintenance to keep your system running in top condition, checking for any leaks. These EPA changes might seem confusing or overwhelming, but Accurate Home Services can assure you that we’ll be able to answer any question you have. Our HVAC technicians are trained and certified to handle anything.
Benefits and Challenges of EPA Rules
While the initial cost of new HVAC systems that are compliant with EPA regulations might present a price change for consumers, one of the over-arching goals of the AIM Act and the EPA’s new regulations is to increase energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems and HVAC equipment. This is a prime benefit for you as a consumer, as well as the potential cost savings overtime.
Other challenges that you might face are knowing when to navigate AC maintenance with your older HVAC system and upgrading to a newer, compliant model. At Accurate Home Services, we are committed to providing you with environmentally compliant and efficient HVAC services. We are poised to shepherd you through these EPA regulations and changes, helping you understand the best path forward to take.
Contact our team of expert technicians today to schedule your consultation or AC installation service appointment.
