How Will the 2025 Refrigerant Mandate Affect Your HVAC Work?
Maybe you have heard that the 2025 refrigerant mandate will require new HVAC systems to use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP) than those currently in use, this is part of ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants used in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment.
The mandate requires new HVAC systems to use refrigerants with a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to commonly used refrigerants like R-410A, which has a GWP of 2,088. The target is to transition to refrigerants with a GWP of less than 750, which is an 80% reduction from the current standard.
The 2025 mandate applies to all new HVAC equipment sold in the United States, including residential, commercial, and industrial systems. But existing HVAC systems are not immediately affected, but will likely need to be replaced with compliant equipment when they reach the end of their useful life.
How Will the Refrigerant Mandate Affect HVAC Work?
For HVAC technicians, they are most concerned about how this mandate will affect their work. Now, let’s talk about these questions.
Training and Certification
HVAC technicians will need to undergo additional training and certification to work with the new, lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. This training will cover the safe handling, installation, and servicing of HVAC systems using alternative refrigerants. Technicians may need to obtain new certifications or licenses specific to the new refrigerants.
Equipment and Tools
HVAC technicians will need to acquire new tools and equipment that are compatible with the alternative refrigerants. This may include specialized refrigerant leak detectors, refrigerant recovery, recycling, and charging equipment. They will need to be proficient in using this new equipment to service and maintain the updated HVAC systems.
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
The new refrigerants may have different properties and performance characteristics compared to the commonly used refrigerants. HVAC technicians will need to develop expertise in diagnosing and troubleshooting issues with the updated HVAC systems and their refrigerant components.
Regulatory Compliance
Technicians will need to stay up-to-date with the evolving regulations and guidelines surrounding the new refrigerants. This includes proper handling, storage, and disposal of the refrigerants to ensure environmental and safety compliance.
Customer Education
HVAC technicians will play a crucial role in educating customers about the changes in refrigerants and the new HVAC equipment. They will need to explain the benefits, potential cost implications, and maintenance requirements of the updated systems.
Career Opportunities
The transition to low-GWP refrigerants may create new job opportunities for HVAC technicians with the necessary training and expertise. Technicians who proactively upskill and adapt to new technologies may have an advantage in the HVAC job market.
What Should HVAC Technicians Do for this New Mandate?
So, how do HVAC technicians prepare for the 2025 refrigerant mandate?
Undergo Training and Certification
Enroll in training programs and obtain certifications specific to the new, low-GWP refrigerants. Stay up-to-date on any new licensing or certification requirements in your area.
Acquire New Equipment and Tools
Invest in specialized equipment and tools that are compatible with the new refrigerants, such as:
1. Refrigerant recovery, recycling, and charging equipment
2. Leak detection devices
3. Manifold gauges and other diagnostic tools
Become proficient in using this new equipment to service and maintain the updated HVAC systems.
Stay Informed on Regulations and Guidelines
Closely monitor the evolving regulations and guidelines surrounding the new refrigerants. Understand the proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures to ensure environmental and safety compliance.
Develop Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Skills
Familiarize yourself with the properties and performance characteristics of the new refrigerants. Enhance your troubleshooting and diagnostic skills to identify and resolve issues with the updated HVAC systems.
As a professional supplier of HVAC tools, this new refrigerant regulation has a great impact on Elitech's business. Our technicians are updating our products to meet the new requirements of the market, and we believe that the updated products will be launched soon.
Therefore, HVAC Bros, this is a challenge and an opportunity. Let's prepare for career development and success in the evolving HVAC industry.
