HVAC Refrigerant Changes Are Coming—Here’s How to Prepare

April 22, 2025

If you’ve noticed a recent uptick in HVAC service costs—or heard murmurs about refrigerant price spikes—you’re not imagining things. The HVAC industry is in the middle of a major shift: refrigerants are changing again.

Driven by environmental regulations, technological advancements, and global supply chain constraints, the phase-out of high-global warming potential (GWP) HVAC refrigerants is in full swing. These changes are reshaping what systems get installed, how they’re serviced, and—yes—how much everything costs.

The good news? Western Heating & Air Conditioning is already ahead of the curve. While some providers are scrambling to keep up, we’ve been preparing for this shift for years. Whether you’re a Meridian, commercial property manager, facility director, or business owner, here’s what you need to know—and why Western Heating & Air Conditioning is the best partner to guide you through it.

Why Are HVAC Refrigerants Changing?

Refrigerants are the chemical compounds that allow HVAC systems to transfer heat—cooling your Meridian, building in the summer and heating it in the winter. For decades, many systems have relied on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants like R-410A and R-134a.

However, these refrigerants come with a major downside: they have a high GWP, meaning they trap heat in the atmosphere at rates hundreds to thousands of times greater than CO₂. In response, international agreements like the Kigali Amendment (to the Montreal Protocol) and federal mandates in the U.S. have called for a phasedown of these substances in favor of low-GWP alternatives.

This isn’t just a long-term goal—it’s already happening. As of 2025, manufacturers must begin transitioning to systems using new refrigerants like R-454B or R-32, which have significantly lower environmental impacts.

The Cost Ripple Effect

Like any major shift, the HVAC refrigerant transition is causing turbulence in the marketplace. One of the most immediate effects has been a sharp increase in the price of legacy refrigerants like R-410A and R-134a. With supply limited and demand still high (especially for older systems), costs have soared—and will likely keep climbing.

At the same time, systems using next-generation refrigerants are rolling out quickly, which brings additional costs of their own. New equipment, new tools, new training requirements—it all adds up. Meridian, contractors and facility managers are already feeling the pressure.

Why It Matters for Your Building

If your HVAC system is more than a few years old, chances are it uses a refrigerant that’s being phased out. That doesn’t mean it’s illegal to run your system, but servicing it may become more expensive—or eventually, impossible. For example:

Refrigerant costs may continue to spike, particularly in summer when demand peaks.
Parts for legacy systems may become harder to find, especially after 2025.
Insurance and compliance risks may increase, especially for Meridian, facilities with sustainability requirements or green building certifications.

In short: the longer you wait to plan for refrigerant changes, the more likely you’ll face rising costs, unplanned downtime, or emergency replacements.

How Western Heating & Air Conditioning is Leading the Way

At Western Heating & Air Conditioning, we see this shift not as a disruption—but as an opportunity to deliver more value for our customers. We’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that our clients aren’t just protected from HVAC refrigerant chaos—they’re positioned to benefit from it.

1. Advanced HVAC Technician Training

Our teams are already trained on new HVAC refrigerant types, tools, and safety protocols. We’ve invested heavily in certifications and continuing education to make sure your building gets the most knowledgeable support, whether it needs maintenance on an old HVAC system or installation of a next-gen unit.

2. Strategic HVAC Inventory Planning

We’ve anticipated HVAC refrigerant price increases and supply challenges. That means Western Heating & Air Conditioning has secured access to critical refrigerants and parts, giving our clients stability while others face delays or surcharges. Our supply chain planning isn’t just reactive—it’s strategic.

3. Guided HVAC Equipment Upgrades

If you’re considering upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system, Western Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose a future-ready model that uses low-GWP refrigerants and offers better energy performance. We also help clients identify available rebates and incentives to offset the cost of early replacement.

4. Custom HVAC Maintenance Strategies

Not every HVAC system needs to be replaced today. Western Heating & Air Conditioning can help you develop a phased plan that balances cost, performance, and environmental goals. That might include a more rigorous maintenance plan, enhanced leak detection, or refrigerant recovery services to extend the life of your current system while staying compliant.

5. Sustainability Alignment

If your Meridian, organization has carbon reduction targets or ESG goals, refrigerant choice matters. We’ll help you make HVAC decisions that reduce emissions and support your broader sustainability strategy—without compromising comfort or reliability.

What You Can Do Today

Here are a few steps you can take right now to stay ahead of HVAC refrigerant changes:

Schedule an HVAC system inspection with Western Heating & Air Conditioning to determine what refrigerant your system uses and its current condition.
Start budgeting for HVAC replacement options in the next 1–3 years.
Ask about rebates and tax incentives—many utilities and governments offer financial support for upgrading to low-GWP HVAC systems.
Train your internal team (if applicable) on how to identify refrigerant types and understand the new labeling and safety standards.
Partner with an HVAC provider who knows what’s coming next.

Talk to the HVAC Experts in Meridian

Refrigerant changes aren’t just an industry trend—they’re a structural shift in how HVAC systems are built, serviced, and priced. For Meridian, building owners and operators, the risks of ignoring the change are real. But so are the opportunities.

Western Heating & Air Conditioning has the experience, expertise, and foresight to turn these changes into a competitive advantage for your facility. Whether you need to troubleshoot an aging HVAC system, build a plan for replacement, or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help—every step of the way.