As we enjoy the final months of 2024 with family and friends, many of us are starting to look toward the new year and the possibilities that it can bring. The HVAC industry, just like any other, experiences trends and changes from year to year. We’re going to take a closer look at the upcoming trends for the 2025 HVAC season below.
R-410A Refrigerant Phase Out
One of the biggest changes that’s going to take place come January 2025 is going to be the phase-out of R-410A refrigerant. This is a very common type of refrigerant for residential air conditioning systems as well as heat pumps. However, it’s been shown to have a negative impact on the environment because of its contribution to ozone depletion. Manufacturers are now switching to alternative refrigerants, with R-32 and R-454B being the most prominent.
As with any refrigerant phase-out, there’s going to be an abundance of new HVAC systems remaining that are still using the older refrigerant. Homeowners can get these at a major cost discount as manufacturers are trying to get rid of old inventory to allow for adequate space for their new inventory. It’s important to know that most of these system components are still readily available and your HVAC installer will still have access to R-410A refrigerant for recharging purposes for many years to come.
Introduction of R-454B and R-32 Refrigerants
Starting at the beginning of the 2025 season will be the induction of R-32 and R-454B refrigerant into residential HVAC systems. As a homeowner, you may want to consider waiting until the 2025 season to purchase an HVAC system that uses one of these two refrigerants. Both of them will reduce your carbon footprint over using one of the older refrigerant types.
Both of these newer refrigerants are thought to be more energy-efficient than their predecessors. This translates to lower utility bills for you. Furthermore, investing in a new HVAC system that uses one of these newer refrigerants will help to ensure that you’ll have readily available access to these refrigerants for a decade or more.
Cold Climate Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are well-known to be an energy-efficient HVAC system that is well-suited for mild climates. In fact, it’s been a key contributor to helping many locations in the country reduce their carbon emissions and meet more of their ambitious climate goals. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of the heat pump is that it traditionally didn’t work at temperatures below freezing. This restricted the use of heat pumps to climates that remained regularly above freezing.
This all changes in 2025 as new cold climate heat pumps are starting to hit the market. These heat pumps are now designed to work at temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. This greatly expands their functionality across all different climates in the nation. Now those living in the northern cold climates can take advantage of the efficiency that a heat pump can provide. It’s expected that the amount of heat pumps installed in residential settings will increase from 2025 moving forward.
Increased Solar Integration
As the concern about carbon emissions continues to grow, many are looking at more innovative solutions to help provide alternative energy sources. One that is becoming commonly integrated with home HVAC systems is solar panels. Apart from just providing electricity for your home, these solar panels can provide designated power to run your heating or cooling system. Because solar photovoltaic systems harness energy from the sun, there are no harmful emissions being produced. Pairing solar systems with energy storage systems can help homeowners get closer to zero dirty energy usage.
Smart HVAC System Connections
There’s no denying the fact that smart technology continues to increase year after year as new devices and connectivity are becoming more widely available. In 2025, HVAC experts expect to see more smart technology being integrated into HVAC systems, like heat pumps, to provide more home automation. Currently, smart thermostats are allowing homeowners better control over their HVAC system’s energy usage.
Newer smart HVAC systems are expected to come with advanced sensors and machine-learning algorithms to help predict temperature needs and user behavior. This can provide better comfort and energy-efficient operation. With smart home ecosystems, HVAC systems can also coordinate with other smart home devices, like window blinds and ceiling fans, to create a more energy-efficient home environment.
More Focus on IAQ Integrated Solutions
After the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners increased their focus on the quality of air inside their homes. In response to this added concern, newer HVAC systems are coming with built-in technology. This helps to better address airborne contaminants as compared to using a traditional HVAC filter. These advanced filtration technologies can also include bipolar ionization, UV-C germicidal lighting, and even HEPA filters.
Apart from just removing unwanted airborne bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, indoor humidity has also been a rising concern among homeowners. Heat pumps and other HVAC systems are now coming equipped with their own dehumidification and humidification capabilities. This can allow homeowners to enjoy better relative indoor humidity levels that reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth while optimizing comfort indoors.
More Government Incentives
The federal government is continually playing a role in helping to increase residential home efficiency to lower the country’s overall carbon footprint. In recent years, homeowners have seen the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 alongside many other state incentives. These incentives offer homeowners tax credits when they invest in energy-efficient HVAC systems. In fact, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allows homeowners to claim up to $3,200 in a federal tax credit when they invest in select ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC systems.
As we transition into 2025, homeowners can expect to see more government incentives for investing in energy-efficient appliances for their homes. This can make installing the systems more affordable for many homeowners. It’s also important to note that homeowners are likely to see more government restrictions regarding the types of systems that they can purchase. More of the inefficient heating and cooling systems are going to be phased out, such as with refrigerant restrictions, to urge more homeowners to go the energy-efficient route.
AI System Integration for HVAC Providers
Another trend to be on the lookout for is AI integration in newer HVAC systems that provide a direct connection with its HVAC installer. These new AI-integrated systems will have internal sensors that monitor system performance. If a potential issue arises with one of the internal components, your HVAC installer will be notified so they can be proactive in offering repair service. This technology is great for catching problems and reducing system downtime.
Top-Quality HVAC Installation Services
Huft Home Services offers top-quality HVAC installation services to the Sacramento, CA area. Our HVAC technicians will be more than happy to assist with all your air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electrical, indoor air quality, home electrification, home performance inspection, and insulation needs. Schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC technicians by calling our office staff today.
