If you live in North Carolina and use an air conditioner in your home, you’ll be affected by the new refrigerant regulations that take effect on January 1, 2025.
According to NC refrigerant laws, selling any air conditioner that uses a high-emission R-410A refrigerant will be illegal after that date. This change will cause prices on regulation-compliant machines to increase by 30%, so now is the perfect time to purchase a new air conditioner before prices increase across the board.
Learn about the reasoning behind this new law, get answers to frequently asked questions about your residential AC, and find out how to navigate the transition as a homeowner.
Understanding North Carolina’s Refrigerant Transition
The new HVAC regulations in NC aim to lower the overall environmental impact of air conditioners by phasing out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with a high global warming potential (GWP). The higher the GWP, the more the refrigerant contributes to global warming.
Some HFC refrigerants have heat-trapping capabilities that increase atmospheric warming thousands of times faster than carbon dioxide does. The overall aim is to comply with the United Nations Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and reduce emissions by 85% by 2036.
These regulations will push manufacturers to adopt refrigerants with a lower GWP. The regulations also include new ways to handle and dispose of refrigerants, enforce strict labeling requirements, and improve monitoring of refrigerant use throughout the state.
The Impact on Homeowners: Higher Costs & New Systems
The transition to the new EPA refrigerant regulations will impact homeowners in two key ways.
The price of new air conditioners will rise
Air conditioner manufacturers must change their production lines and invest in new technologies to keep up with the new regulations. Unfortunately, the cost of doing so will be passed down to the consumer. If you’re considering buying a new air conditioner, the best time to do so is now, before the new 2025 regulations are implemented.
The cost of maintaining an older system will go up
If you have an older air conditioner model that uses non-compliant refrigerants, your maintenance costs will rise. Parts will become more difficult to find, and the old refrigerant used in the machine will become scarce and hard to source.
The good news is that purchasing a new machine that’s compliant with all future emission regulations could save you money on your energy bills in the long term. These machines are ultra-efficient, and rebates may be available to qualifying homeowners.
Navigating the Transition With QRC
If you’re considering whether to keep your older air conditioner or upgrade to a newer model, call the QRC team. Our HVAC experts understand your frustration and can help you decide what’s best for your unique situation.
If you decide to upgrade, we can have your new air conditioner installed and ready to go as soon as possible. If you want to stick with your existing model, we’ll go over the issues you may face in the future and discuss your options.
Call QRC For All Your Refrigeration Needs
If you’re looking into HVAC system replacement options for your home or business, call QRC. We’re available for all the refrigeration needs of our North Carolina neighbors. Our service area ranges from Winston-Salem to Jamestown to Thomasville.
We also offer both residential and commercial AC repair and maintenance services on old and new air conditioners. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your air conditioner questions.
FAQs About NC Refrigerant Regulations
Will my current AC system become illegal?
No. The refrigerant phaseout in NC will be a gradual change. You can still use your current air conditioner, even if it uses high-GWP refrigerants. However, there will be an uptick in the maintenance cost and the future scarcity of parts and refrigerant. You may want to consider upgrading your current machine by retrofitting new low-GWP refrigerants, if possible (not all air conditioners are compatible), or it might be a good time to purchase a new, compliant air conditioner.
What are the alternatives to R-410A?
Under the new 2025 guidelines, air conditioners that use hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are preferred. These include R-1234yf and R-1234ze. Natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide, ammonia, and propane are also preferred because they’re more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Some HFC blends are also on the approved list, but these are likely to be phased out soon as they have a greater environmental impact than the other refrigerants.
What are the signs my AC system needs attention?
Some of the most common signs you need to maintain or repair your air conditioner include:
- Blowing warm air
- Low air pressure coming from vents
- Short-cycling, or turning on and off quickly without adequately cooling the room
- Your home is more humid than usual
- Higher than usual energy bills
- Loud or odd noises, including knocking, rattling, or squeaking
- Strange odors
- Water leaks
- It’s over 15 years old
If your air conditioner is acting strangely or not evenly cooling your home, call QRC. We’ll find the cause of the problem and fix it fast.