When you’re looking to install a new air conditioner or heat pump in your home, you probably don’t give much thought to the type of refrigerant it uses. In fact, you may be trying to squeeze as much life as possible out of an older unit without knowing that it uses outdated refrigerant.
But in 2025, laws regarding air conditioners that use R410A refrigerant in Los Angeles will take effect, contributing to increases in the cost of a new air conditioner system. Keep reading to learn more about the new laws about R410A refrigerant and why now is the ideal time to upgrade an outdated AC system.
What Are the Differences in Refrigerant?
Air conditioners are heat pumps that use refrigerant held within airtight lines to absorb heat and transfer it outside your home for cooling. A heat pump can also absorb heat from outside and bring it into your home during the winter season for heating. R410A is the most up-to-date refrigerant available and is much safer to use than older types of refrigerant.
For example, R22 was also called freon and is much more harmful to the environment. If your HVAC system was installed before 2010, it likely has R22 freon instead of the R410A refrigerant being used today. One additional problem is that older units are more likely to have leaks that exacerbate environmental issues since the R22 refrigerant doesn’t remain in the airtight lines.
When you’re ready, it’s a good idea to upgrade your older AC to a new model that uses more modern refrigerant before AC and heat pump system costs go up in 2025. You will have a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly upgrade, and save a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a system in 2025 or 2026.
How Much Is a New AC Unit?
The short answer is that it depends. The price can vary greatly depending on factors like the size of AC you need for your home and the overall efficiency of the unit. There are baseline models with minimum accepted efficiency, but you can also invest in a high-efficiency AC or heat pump that will save you money on your monthly energy costs.
If your home is smaller, an AC or heat pump will cost less. If you have a larger home, you will need a larger unit that inevitably costs more. We can visit your home and talk to you about your options for upgrading. If staying within budget constraints is important, we can help with a unit that fits your needs.
If you are looking to invest in a high-efficiency model, we can help with that, too. When you purchase a unit with higher overall efficiency, you stand to save a lot of money on your monthly energy costs for operating the unit. Plus, a high-efficiency model doesn’t use as much electricity so you can lower your carbon footprint.
JMS Air Conditioning and Heating has your back. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a new AC or heat pump installation in Los Angeles, CA!
