Have you been browsing around the internet to find a good new air conditioner for your home? If you have, chances are you understand how challenging it is to find the right fit, especially considering just how much information you need to take in to compare and contrast the different options available on the market, as well as how expensive these systems can get. And we get it, our tendency is to postpone big purchases until we desperately need them, like when your AC breaks down or needs an extensive and costly repair for instance.

However, if you’re a budget-conscious person and price is a primary concern, you might want to reconsider holding off your purchase because beginning in 2025, air conditioners are unfortunately going to become more expensive with the US government’s new federal regulations on refrigerant standards for new AC units. Here’s more on that:

The AIM Act, Hydrofluorocarbons, and Global Warming Potential

To understand how the new refrigerant standards are going to affect your new AC installation costs from 2025, let’s talk about the American Innovation and Manufacture (AIM) Act,  hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and global warming potential (GWP).

The American Innovation and Manufacture Act

On December 27, 2020, the AIM Act was enacted into law by Congress with bipartisan support. Its main purpose is to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs by 85% by 2036, regulate them along with their substitutes, and help facilitate the transition to newer technologies through the enforcement of restrictions based on sectors.

Hydrofluorocarbons

HFCs, greenhouse gasses that have global warming potentials or GWPs, are used in a variety of cooling applications that we can see every day, such as aerosols, blowing agents, solvents, refrigeration, and of course, air conditioner refrigerants.

The global hike in demand for these synthetic chemicals is attributed to the banning of the infamous ozone-depleting substances, CFCs and HCFCs, which were popular and commonly used just a few decades ago, as they are deemed greener than their predecessors.

While HFCs are great at promoting cooling and saving the ozone layer, they are unfortunately still considered “super pollutants” that warm the earth and may be hundreds to thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Global Warming Potential

Right now, more eco-friendly alternatives to HFCs are under development, but while we’re getting there, newer, more climate-friendly blends of HFCs, mildly flammable or A2L refrigerants called R-454B and R-32 that have lower GWPs, are being introduced. Having a lower GWP means that any given mass of the new HFC blends contributes lower to global warming compared to the same mass of carbon dioxide, over a given period of time.

The new refrigerant standards of 2025 are meant to help the EPA achieve its long-term objective of cutting down HFC use and production by transitioning to only using these climate-friendlier HFC blends with a GWP limit of 750, as opposed to the current HFCs’ average of 2,000, on new AC units starting from January 1, 2025.

What This Means for You if You’re Considering a New AC

Just like how it has been in the past, when regulatory changes like these happen, they are almost always not kind to consumers. While the EPA’s goal is to have every new AC unit sold to be compliant with the new regulations before January 2025, it’s looking more and more likely for this to be achieved well before the set deadline as old, cheaper systems are running out of stock much sooner than expected due to a higher demand.

AC Prices to Increase by Up to 30%

You can expect the base price of these new EPA-approved air conditioners to increase by up to 30%, as manufacturers would have to redesign their existing products to accommodate the EPA-compliant refrigerants or come up with new systems altogether. In addition to that, HVAC companies would have to spend more on new machines and tools along with additional training and certifications for their technicians, which ultimately leads to a higher price ticket for you.

All things considered, it makes sense for people to snatch these pre-regulatory AC units while they still can. Some industry experts point out that it may be possible for the old AC stocks to run out by the end of Summer 2024. But even if that doesn’t turn out to be true, it’s important to note that all HVAC units that are available for purchase after January 1, 2025 will be the new regulation-compliant units, which will generally be more expensive.

Now is the Best Time to Get That New AC

If your AC unit is in need of a replacement soon, or if you have been considering installing a new air conditioner for your new home, now is the best time to do so. This is especially true if you want to save more money upfront. Overall, not only will you be reducing your energy bills and upgrading your home’s level of comfort, you’ll also be getting an HVAC system that is considerably cheaper than the newer ones–the only units on the market from next year onwards.

Other Ways You Can Help Fight Global Warming

Saving up more money today by getting pre-regulatory AC units doesn’t have to mean that you can’t join the global effort to reduce global warming. Here are some things you can do to help reduce your environmental impact through your air conditioner usage:

Choose an energy-efficient equipment: When upgrading or installing your new AC unit, make sure to go with a more energy-efficient unit that will not only limit your energy consumption, but also save you more on energy bills!

Regularly maintain your AC: You won’t believe how far small things like regularly cleaning or replacing your filters can go in terms of lowering your energy consumption and, by extension, your environmental impact. Visit our AC tune-up and maintenance page for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Close curtains and blinds: Block out sunlight and reduce the need for cooling by closing your curtains and blinds when it is hot outside.

Use natural ventilation: Whenever possible, open windows and doors during cooler times of the day to allow for natural ventilation and reduce reliance on your air conditioner.

Increase insulation: Proper insulation in your home can help reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency, helping you get the most out of your air conditioning system.

The Verdict

If you’re a budget-conscious person who’s thinking of upgrading your AC unit or installing a new air conditioning system, now is the best time to do so.

Here at Peak Heating & Cooling, one of Michigan’s fastest growing heating and cooling service providers, we strive to go out of our way to make sure you are knowledgeable about your upcoming purchase before you make the buying decision. Our promise of transparency means we will help you determine the best AC unit for your home according to your requirements, preferences, and budget.

If you’re in West Michigan or surrounding areas, you may get in contact with us to schedule your free estimate and we’ll be more than delighted to assist you! Don’t forget to take advantage of our limited-time BOGO offer, where you can get a free furnace with every purchase of a new AC unit. You may also check out our other promotions by visiting our offers page.