HOUSTON, Texas \u2013 Some air conditioning repair companies are telling homeowners they must replace their entire HVAC systems due to new refrigerant regulations, but industry experts say that\u2019s not the case.<\/p>\n
KPRC\u2019s Amy Davis is addressing this issue after questions from 2 Helps You.<\/a><\/p>\n New refrigerant laws spark debate on HVAC replacements. KPRC’s Amy Davis answers a ‘2 Helps You’ question about AC repairs. (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n While federal regulations now require new HVAC systems manufactured after January 1, 202<\/a>5, to use the latest refrigerant R-454B, experts say existing systems can still be repaired and maintained using alternative solutions.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not being told the truth,\u201d says Blair Bodensteiner, owner of Bodensteiner Services<\/a>, referring to customers who are told replacement is their only option. His company has been in the AC business for more than 60 years.<\/p>\n The issue came to light after multiple homeowners reported being told their older units couldn\u2019t be repaired due to discontinued refrigerants. <\/p>\n One homeowner, Candice Hunter, was quoted $14,551 for a complete system replacement after being told her existing unit couldn\u2019t be serviced because the refrigerant was no longer available.<\/p>\n Understanding refrigerant changes<\/p>\n The HVAC industry has gone through several refrigerant transitions:<\/p>\n Pre-2010 systems used R-22<\/p>\n 2010-2024 systems typically used R-410<\/p>\n New systems from 2025 must use R-454B<\/p>\n Despite these changes, Bodensteiner emphasizes that older systems remain serviceable. <\/p>\n \u201cYou can fix any unit. We can fix R-22 units,\u201d he states, even though R-22 is \u201ctwo freons behind\u201d current standards.<\/p>\n What consumers should know<\/p>\n Experts recommend homeowners consider several factors when faced with AC repairs:<\/p>\n Get a second opinion if told your system can\u2019t be repaired due to refrigerant availability<\/p>\n Consider the age of your system when weighing repair versus replacement<\/p>\n Compare repair costs to replacement costs – if repair costs exceed 20% of a new system\u2019s price, replacement might be more economical<\/p>\n Factor in warranties – new systems typically come with 10-year warranties<\/p>\n Making an informed decisionNew refrigerant laws spark debate on HVAC replacements. KPRC’s Amy Davis answers a ‘2 Helps You’ question about AC repairs. (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Bodensteiner emphasizes that reputable companies should present all available options to customers. While repairing a single component might be less expensive initially, investing 20% more could secure a new system with modern efficiency standards and a comprehensive warranty.<\/p>\n However, the decision between repair and replacement should remain with the homeowner, based on their specific circumstances and budget constraints.<\/p>\n