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The 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Change: What Homeowners Need to Know

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The 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Change: What Homeowners Need to Know
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The 2025 HVAC refrigerant change is here, and if you’re considering installing a new HVAC system, it’s important to understand what this means for you. At Galbreath Heating & Air, we’re helping homeowners navigate this transition and stay compliant with the latest environmental regulations.

What Is the Refrigerant Change?

The refrigerant change is part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants used in air conditioning systems. The current refrigerant, R-410A, contains hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have a high global warming potential (GWP).

Now in 2025, newly produced air conditioning units will no longer use R-410A. Instead, they will be equipped with low-GWP refrigerants known as A2Ls. These new refrigerants are more eco-friendly and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a greener future.

Why Are A2L Refrigerants Being Introduced?

Image of a Galbreath Heating & Air van

A2L refrigerants are being introduced due to their significantly lower GWP compared to R-410A.

  • R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, which means that for every ton of refrigerant leaked, it’s equivalent to releasing 2,088 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

  • A2L refrigerants have a GWP below 750, cutting emissions by around 60%.

While A2Ls have a slightly higher flammability rating, they are still considered safe when used properly. The environmental benefits, including the reduced impact on climate change, far outweigh the minimal fire risk

What Does This Mean for Homeowners?

The switch to A2L refrigerants brings changes in how air conditioning systems are designed and installed. Here’s what homeowners need to know:
1. Enhanced Leak Protection

To address the slightly higher flammability risk of A2L refrigerants, manufacturers added new safety features. This includes stronger joints, improved sealing, and systems that reduce refrigerant concentration in the event of a leak. These advancements help keep your home safe while maintaining high performance.

2. New Compliance Requirements

The new refrigerants also bring updated regulations, including the installation of leak detectors, smart shutoff valves, and additional documentation for your HVAC system. Don’t worry—these requirements primarily affect HVAC contractors and manufacturers, so Galbreath Heating & Air will handle them for you.

3. Potential for Increased Costs
Due to the new refrigerant standards, production changes, and enhanced safety features, the cost of new air conditioning units is expected to rise starting in 2025. However, these systems are anticipated to offer better energy efficiency and reduced repair costs, helping you save on your utility bills in the long run.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance & Installation with
Galbreath Heating & Air today!

The upcoming refrigerant changes may introduce new costs and considerations, but at Galbreath Heating & Air, we’re committed to helping you stay ahead without breaking the bank. Whether you need HVAC maintenance or a new system, our expert team will guide you through your options and ensure a smooth, safe installation.
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Peter O.
Dec 2025 - I continue to use Galbreath for my annual maintenance and service. They are always responsive and thorough. Brandon is outstanding. Highly recommend them.

I've been with Galbreath for over 10 years and have always been happy with the work and service. Recently, our home HVAC unit went out and the response and service from Galbreath was exceptional. Danny S. came out right away and assessed the problem and options. Throughout the entire job, he kept in touch, coordinated the whole process of replacing the unit and followed through with everything he said he would. That type of personal commitment, professionalism and customer focus is rare in today's world. Same with the installation crew. Charlie and Tim did a great job, paid attention to the details and made sure I was 100% satisfied with everything. I recommend them without hesitation.
Ron T.
Enjoyed meeting with Tyler he was very professional an honest! It was very refreshing to meet an talk with this young man especially in today’s world. I will recommend him an the company he works for to anyone who asks bout HVAC Company in this area. Thanks again Tyler an to your company!
Thomas D.
Really liked the tech explaining what he was doing and what it means. He was on time
Fabian W.
Professionalism at it’s finest!
Gary W.
We have relied on Galbreaths for our heating and cooling needs for 16 years, and they have consistently delivered exceptional service. Each of their techs and desk personnel are knowledgeable, professional and timely. Highly recommended!
Valeria R.
Galbreath is a life saver! They're super profesional and take their time to explain everything to the costumer. Shout out to Brandon Richardson for assisting us this week when our system was off.
Rick B.
James W.
My technicians from Galbreath are consistently thorough and careful to document the process during regular visits and preventative maintenance. They provide step by step photographs of every maintenance parameter and the condition of components. In my experience, this method gives me as a customer, a first hand look at the process and a complete justification in case parts need replaced. I have never before experienced this level of service from any HVAC company, and this is a high standard. I highly recommend Galbreath, as well as the products that they install and service.
Lonnie E.
Robert T.
AC failed after hurricane Helene . Technician Aaron Pitts came out and arrived much earlier tgan the dispatcher predicted. He called from the job he was at gave me his estimated arrival and showed up right on time. He quickly diagnosed the issue and explained the required repair process. After an hour we had cool air circulating . Overall this was a good service experience during a difficult time. Thanks Aaron and Galbreath for your efficient and professional service!
Janie D.
Not only was he on time but he was early! Professional, thorough and always had a smile on his face. They bring their A game everytime they're here.
Evon M.
Ryan
Have had multiple service calls from Galbreath’s and have had nothing but fantastic service
Joyce J.
Was easy to schedule our maintenance.
Lavonda H.
Very professional and on time Gil was very nice
Dominique P.
jason R.
Great customer service from scheduling to curb side assistance and support. Steven Whitehurst was the technician and he was very thorough in his inspection, as well as recommendation for repair. There is no hidden agenda, these guys are straight shooters with customer service and satisfaction at the forefront of their business. I did my own due diligence from a couple other venders and through. Mr. Whitehurst evaluation and recommendation they were more than fair and absolutely unbeatable from every angle of competition in the market.

Steve’s counterpart Tyler also showed up to ensure all angles were covered and there weren’t any questions about the capability, precision, and expedition of repair. Galbreath Heating and Air is the premier in the market and for me and my opinion should be the top recommended service provider for any HVAC needs anyone could possibly require.
Erin C.
Always knowledgeable, courteous and able to help asap.
Tom H.
Shelley W.
Aaron our tech, was very thorough in his inspection of our unit. Catching a potential problem and providing a quick solution. Always pleasant to deal with.
Melanie F.
Steven did a great job! Thank you for getting up and running on Thanksgiving Eve!!
BethJudie
Steven did an amazing job with a very pleasant attitude. Thank you for sending a positive and competent service person.
Robin D.
Thorough service, hopefully the unit will keep running well
Sarah S.
Galbreath saved us from Georgia heat hell!
We went through multiple companies that provided false promises and zero help. The company is very accommodating with getting help out ASAP. Aaron has been nothing short of amazing. He is very informative, takes pictures and is very kind. If you need help book with Aaron at Galbreath.
Vanessa B.
During the previous summer, my HVAC unit needed repair and Galbreath was great! I’m new to the home so decided to purchase their yearly HVAC maintenance package. Today, Aaron performed maintenance service on the unit and I was very surprised at the detail and depth of maintenance checks and cleaning that were performed. The technicians I have met from Galbreath are professional, knowledgeable and very good with explaining issues and alternative methods to repair. Aaron spent nearly 2 hours performing maintenance on the HVAC unit, both inside and outside. I feel confident the unit will run well until my next service date in 6 months. The price is very reasonable for the work and inspections that are done and I believe preventative maintenance will add years of life to the unit. Thanks Galbreath Heating & Air!
Dawn K.
Brandon was an exceptional tech. He explained things in detail, was professional, and courteous. I was not there at the home. However my roommate was and she said he needs a great review. I walked into a working AC unit and everything he said would happen did and no complaints here. Thank you
Keith W.
Very knowledgeable and professional
Melanie P.
Aaron was awesome! He was knowledgeable, quick on time and courteous.
Highly recommend for your HVAC needs.
Debra Y.
Galbraith and sons always follow up on maintenance and repairs. Very dependable and a quick response.
Randy P.
Brandon is always very professional. He is very knowledgeable. He always answers my questions and advises me on things we need to do to prevent future problems.
Laurie T.
My AC was not working properly, and attempts to use our home warranty was a total failure. So I called Galbreath as I have used them throughout the years successfully and today was no different. From amazing customer service and easy next day scheduling.They were even able to come the same day as time opened up with one of the technicians finishing early. Kevin the technician, throughly explained everything, showing me detailed pictures which I appreciated. After almost 3 weeks, there is AC. It is worth having quality, professional services you can count on.

Follow up- yes the AC died. But I was very happy with the information Tyler provided about new AC/HVAC units. He was very professional and responsive to many questions. Follow-up after the unit was installed to see if I had any questions was done. I have always been happy with the service provided and would recommend them. Love the new unit.
James B.
Kevin was very knowledgeable, explaning what maintenance was being done each step of the way. I like that approach when a HVAC Tech shows up at my door.
Lisa G.
Aaron is always professional, friendly and makes great recommendations for repairs when needed. Galbreath has been wonderful to partner with.
Stefhen O.
Leandro de la T.
Purchased and installed a Lennox AC -Heater device. It was installed on time and work without any problems. The system has exactly as i had, except 27 years younger. This is the fourth Lennox AC - Heater that i had owned, since 1967.
W Bernard D.
Tyler came to my home to give me a quote for replacement of my 21-year old HVAC system. He was extremely knowledgeable and he explained things in a very clear, detailed manner. He was very thorough in his inspection of my house and he presented several options for me to consider. He did not rush the process or the discussion and he encouraged me numerous times to ask questions. Overall, it was a very professional, no-pressure experience.
Roy S.
The BEST! Family own, Honest, techs very knowledgeable in their jobs! Arrived during estimated time period. Kept customer informed of tech arrival & their name with picture. All equipment on site to discover what the problem was!
Aaron Pitts is the BEST!!
Dinara P.
Great service
Antthony Mark H.
I'm very pleased with the detailed work of Galbreath. I was referred to them by another company that did exceptional work on my home. I was so happy when Galbreath arrived with videos and lots of information and knowledge on installing an hvac system. I had met with other local companies but they all seemed to lack the knowledge on what my smaller home needed. Thank yoh Tyler for walking me through all the steps of installation of the hvac and the new duct work. I also what to thank them for adding temporary window AC so we could stay in the home in the evenings until the entire system was installed. I would recommend them in a heart beat !
Jessica V.
They’ve been nice, clean, courteous, on time and give honest pricing! We have used them several times for maintenance and install. I can highly recommend Galbreath H&A to anyone! Aaron Dickerson was our service tech for the past 2 times and he very knowledgeable, polite and respectful!
Bigger J.
Steven was pleasant, thourough, and explained his diagnosis well while fairly laying out my options for solving my issue.
Christa
We are extremely satisfied with Galbreth Heating and Air ! Their service is always outstanding and all of the technicians go above and beyond for servicing or repairing our AC unit!
Kateri H.
Gil was very friendly, arrived promptly and was able to solve the problem with my heat very swiftly. Will definitely recommend in the future!
Kathleen M.
Jane L.
Long standing client. Brandon has maintained my AC unit for years. He is always professional, communicates with me throughout his time here and makes recommendations without being a hard sale.
All things I appreciate.
Bobbie W.
I have been with Galbreath for many years and the reason is because of the great customer service and the tech is very accurate on the system and I trust this company they have never let me down ,so I am a very happy customer and I recommend that if you have a problem give them a try ,and you will see why they will always be my first choice thanks Galbreath for being true to the customers
James P.
Janet C.
We had a very good experience from quote through installation on our HVAC system. Everyone we dealt with was professional and knowledgeable of their product. The young men that did the installation were on time, courteous, respectful, and worked hard with very few breaks, left our home clean when the job was completed. Thank you to all.
Robert J.
A job well done
Max
Great customer service and service overall.

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