New Refrigerant Mandate in 2025

On January 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and protect our climate, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated a change in refrigerant for newly manufactured residential HVAC systems. But there’s no need to worry — First American fully supports the EPA’s new refrigerant requirements and will continue to support homeowners throughout the transition.

• What’s Changing for Refrigerant in 2025?
• What Does It Mean for Homeowners?
• How First American Can Help

What’s Changing for Refrigerant in 2025?

Every refrigerant has a global warming potential (GWP) that reflects its impact on the environment. Starting in 2025, the allowable GWP limit for refrigerants in newly manufactured residential HVAC systems is dropping to 700. Consequently, R-410A refrigerant, which has a very high GWP, is being phased down and HVAC manufacturers will no longer be allowed to build systems that use it. Instead, they must start using lower-GWP alternatives such as R-454B and R-32.

Starting in 2025, all newly manufactured residential HVAC systems must use refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or less.

Why Does GWP Matter?

GWP is a measure of how much heat a gas can trap in the atmosphere over a certain period of time. It’s a way to examine the effect a gas has on global warming. The lower the GWP, the more eco-friendly it is.

Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerants like R-410A are potent greenhouse gases with high GWPs. Lower-GWP alternatives like R-454B and R-32 are safer for the environment — with fewer greenhouse gases, a smaller carbon footprint, and better alignment with evolving climate-friendly regulations.

New Redesigned HVAC Equipment

Despite their eco-friendly appeal, however, transitioning to these new refrigerants is a heavy lift for HVAC manufacturers. Why? Because while they’re better for the environment, R-454B and R-32 are classified as A2L refrigerants, meaning they’re mildly flammable. (R-410A, by comparison, is classified as an A1 nonflammable refrigerant).

There’s little need to worry, however, because A2L refrigerants can only ignite under very specific conditions. And if one did manage to ignite (a big “if”), the flame would be unsustainable, making it no more dangerous than many other household products.

To ease public concern, the EPA is requiring new 2025 HVAC systems to include added safety features, including leak detection systems, additional sensors, flame arrestors, and more. Manufacturers must redesign and build updated equipment to accommodate these safety enhancements, which will make the new systems more expensive. HVAC technicians must also undergo specialized training on safely handling the new refrigerants.

What Does It Mean for Homeowners?

Starting January 1, 2025, all newly manufactured residential HVAC units must use lower GWP refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. The new refrigerant mandate also includes an 85% phase-down for the R-410A refrigerant by 2036, meaning that this refrigerant will gradually become harder to obtain as time goes by.

As a homeowner, however, there’s no need to rush out and replace your HVAC unit if it’s in good shape and working properly. Existing HVAC systems will continue to be serviced, and depending on the type of system you have, broken components may be replaced. You can also help keep your system running smoothly with our popular HVAC Tune-up coverage option. It’s available with all First American home warranty plans and provides convenient pre-season checkups in the spring and fall.

How First American Can Help

As we move toward more environmentally friendly HVAC solutions, homeowners can take comfort in knowing that First American fully supports the new refrigerant mandate — and its positive impact on our planet.

Rest assured that our home warranty plans will continue to cover HVAC repairs and replacements — whether your equipment is old, new, or somewhere in between. In fact, comprehensive HVAC coverage from a reputable, trusted home warranty leader like First American is more important now than ever before. We’ll help you navigate the 2025 refrigerant mandate and make sure you have the right coverage so your home stays comfortable all year long.

FAQs About the 2025 Refrigerant Changes

What is changing in 2025 for residential HVAC refrigerants?

Starting in 2025, newly manufactured residential HVAC systems must use refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 700 or less. As a result, manufacturers are phasing down R-410A and transitioning to lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32.

Do homeowners need to replace their existing HVAC system because of the 2025 refrigerant mandate?

No. Homeowners do not need to replace an existing HVAC system if it is working properly. Existing systems can continue to be serviced, and broken components may be replaced depending on the type of system. R-410A will gradually become harder to obtain as it is phased down.

Will First American home warranty plans continue to cover HVAC systems after the refrigerant changes?

Yes. First American home warranty plans continue to cover eligible HVAC repairs and replacements as the industry transitions to the new refrigerant requirements, regardless of the system's age.