Change is inevitable. And in many cases, it’s for the best! Manufacturing is a sector that involves constant change, and sometimes, when a new option is dramatically better than the previous ones, it forces the old ways to be phased out. Many changes have been occurring in the field of HVAC manufacturing in recent years, largely for the purpose of saving energy—which means protecting the environment and saving you money.
Multi-phase compressors, variable-speed motors, and new alloys for AC coils to be made from have all been developed just in the last few years. And there’s also a big shift happening with regard to refrigerants. What is refrigerant? Why is it changing? How will it affect you and your HVAC system? Let’s get to the bottom of this. We’d love to talk to you about AC or heat pump replacement in Stow, OH and how you could get a new HVAC system installed for as little as $102 per month.
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act
In 2020, new legislation was introduced: the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, or AIM. This is a many-pronged approach to changing how we use energy, where we get it from, and how much we pay for our household energy needs. It also includes provisions to create a lot of new jobs in green energy and similar fields.
Over the years since the AIM Act was passed, various parts of this legislation have gradually gone into effect. The part that’s happening now has to do with refrigerant. As of January 2025, HVAC systems that use the refrigerant known as R-410A are being phased out. New refrigerants, in particular R-454B, are being used instead.
The History of Refrigerant
Cooling systems have been used since the early 1800s. Once upon a time, they were dependent upon things like ammonia, methyl chloride, and sulfur dioxide. It wasn’t until 1928 that what we would recognize as a modern refrigerant was developed. While it is technically called R-12, you probably know it by its brand name: Freon. This ushered in a huge boom in refrigeration.
R-12 was still in use in the 1970s, when central air conditioners started to be installed in nearly every newly-built home across much of America. But with such such widespread use, a major downside of this refrigerant was revealed: it was extremely destructive to the ozone layer. It was completely outlawed in 1987.
Since then, better options have emerged. Now, a new refrigerant called R-454B has emerged which is both better for the environment and much more energy-efficient, helping Americans reduce utility bills.
The Impacts of This Change
While overall this change will be good, in the short term, there are some things you should know. As HVAC companies alter their manufacturing, costs of new units that use the new refrigerants will increase, at least temporarily, and there are likely to be hiccups in the supply chain. Also, if your older unit develops a refrigerant leak, it may eventually be impossible to get the correct refrigerant to refill it with.
Our recommendation is to have a conversation with an expert to see what you can do to save money, both in the short term—when purchasing a system—and in the long term, on your energy bills.
Contact Crown Group Ohio today with any questions or to make an appointment.