Key Upgrades to Refresh Your HVAC System in 2025
By Brian Sodoma, for 成人抖阴 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
With the phase down of R-410A refrigerant starting January 1, 2025, the residential HVAC market will see some big changes in the coming years. As part of the technology transition, newly purchased and installed air conditioners after that date will need to have refrigerants with a lower (GWP) than in the past, according to the EPA. So, what does this mean for everyday homeowners?
We asked an HVAC pro about what to expect and how to keep your HVAC system running efficiently for years to come.
Repair or Replace? That Is the Question
While homeowners with legacy air-conditioning systems using R-410A will be able to use and maintain their equipment for the entirety of their useful life, , newly purchased ACs will need to feature lower emission refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. Likewise, if a whole-new system is installed, it will need to have a lower GWP refrigerant.
As the industry moves away from R-410A, some experts estimate that the price of a new air conditioning unit could increase between 15% to 30% in the short term. Looking down the line, the costs of maintaining older systems and getting parts could potentially become more expensive too, they believe.
Meaning homeowners will want to weigh the pros and cons of keeping what they have or getting a new unit depending on the condition of their current AC.
鈥淚 would say it鈥檚 a case where if you have a unit that is on its last leg, an AC replacement before the end of the year is probably a good idea,鈥 said Jim Hughes, director of field training at 成人抖阴. 鈥淭here鈥檚 really no panic here. Those with newer systems will be able to have them serviced, but again, if your air conditioning unit is on its last leg, waiting a year or two could cost you.鈥
Benefits of Installing a Zoned HVAC System
If you鈥檙e thinking about getting a new AC unit, one way to maximize efficiency is a zoned HVAC system. A zoned HVAC system involves installing dampers into your home鈥檚 ductwork that route cool air to where it鈥檚 needed most.
With a zoned system, an HVAC professional asks about your daily habits and which rooms are the most used. The entire system can be programmed to fit your lifestyle when you鈥檙e at home 鈥 or even when you鈥檙e not. When paired with a smart thermostat, a zoned system can be a real efficiency game changer.
Repair and Seal Ductwork
Ductwork only has a lifespan of about 25 years and can begin to deteriorate after 15 years. Older ductwork that has been exposed to moisture may have rust, and depending on the humidity levels of where you live, it may be collecting bacteria, mold and other impurities. These issues can pose problems for allergy sufferers, in particular.
鈥淔or improved HVAC performance, whether you鈥檙e replacing your existing air conditioner or not, getting ductwork cleaned, as well as repaired and sealed, helps your system operate more optimally,鈥 Hughes said.
Get an Upgrade for Attic Insulation
Most homeowners probably haven鈥檛 measured the thickness of their attic insulation. However, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association estimates are under-insulated. If you鈥檙e unsure, here鈥檚 a simple metric to consider: If your attic has less than seven inches of insulation, it鈥檚 under-insulated.
鈥淒epending on where you live, it鈥檚 a good idea to have 18 inches, or more, insulation in your attic,鈥 said Hughes. 鈥淚f you are under-insulated, bringing it up to proper levels could see 20% or more in energy savings.鈥
Schedule a System Checkup
With the refrigerant phasedown on the horizon and winter around the corner, it鈥檚 the perfect time to schedule an HVAC tune-up. You can use the appointment to bring peace of mind that your current system is in good working order, and also educate yourself on the upcoming changes, as well as other best practices for getting the most out of your HVAC system.
鈥淥ur technicians are fielding a lot of questions about the upcoming changes, and they鈥檙e happy to answer them. Write down all your questions about your HVAC system before the tech arrives, and ask as many as you want. There are no bad questions,鈥 said Hughes.
To learn more about how to refresh your HVAC system, visit ServiceExperts.com.