2025 Freon Change Explained for St. Louis & St. Charles Homeowners

Dan Walsh • January 9, 2025
Outdoor air conditioning unit beside a brick wall and shrubs

Homeowners in St. Louis and St. Charles: your home is where your comfort is and that comfort begins with your air conditioner. But do you know about changes coming to the HVAC industry in 2025 that will affect what kinds of air conditioners will be available?

What’s Happening this Year with Freon, HVAC Refrigerant?

AAA AC service technicianIn 2020, conventional refrigerants such as R-22 were replaced because of their impact on the environment. However, this is not the end; R-410A, another popular refrigerant, will be phased out of the market beginning in 2025.

New AC systems will mainly use R-454B, a better option from the environmental perspective. Although this change means that you will have to pay more for new AC units, you will benefit from more efficient and environmentally friendly system in the long run.

Why the Change?

These changes are a result of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 which seeks to decrease the usage of harmful hydrofluorocarbs (HFCs). This act established the phase out of R-22 in 2020 and will phase out R-410A in 2025.

What Does This Mean for You and Your STL Area Home?

  1. More expensive up front system cost: New AC’s that use R-454B will cost you more to purchase.
  2. More efficiency: Environmental benefits by using a more eco-friendly system.

Other Factors Affecting HVAC Costs

Besides the change in refrigerant, other factors are also emerging that are driving up the costs of HVAC systems:

  • New standards for efficiency
  • Increased costs of raw materials
  • Increased demand from consumers
  • Labor shortage in the industry

Need A New AC/HVAC System in your St. Louis or St. Charles area home?

If you are thinking of replacing your current AC system with the current refrigerant, you need to act fast. Inventory will run out in the next few months of 2025. After that, system costs will likely rise by 10-15%. Although it may cost you more to replace your system, you will have the benefits of increased efficiency and decreased environmental impact.

AAA Heating & Cooling Can Help

The experts at AAA Home Services are ready to help you with all of your heating and cooling needs in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. We can help you pick out the right HVAC system for your home and your budget. Call us today or fill out an estimate request form.

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