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Are you curious why HVAC equipment is seeming to cost more in 2026 than it ever has before? In case you didn't know, at the beginning of 2025, the EPA mandated a switch to a new class of refrigerant called A2L refrigerants. Now, the great part is that they have a much lower global warming potential than previous generations, R22, R410A. The downside is that they are mildly flammable. So what that means is that there are additional components to these systems to ensure the safety. Automatic shutoff circuits. Circuit boards cost money, hence the higher cost of your equipment in 2026. This means that in order to make sure that the equipment is safe, there are additional components that have to be installed. Leak detection sensors, shutoff circuits, and unfortunately, those extra components do come with a higher price tag.
However, the efficiency at the end of the day is worth it. The charges in the outdoor units are lower. The global warming potential in the event of a leak is much lower. So just be aware, this is not us trying to get more money out of you. This is in fact a government-mandated measure that is designed to re- combat global warming and be better for the environment.