Skip to Content
Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning
24/7 Emergency Services Available: 315-610-7858
Top

Refrigerant Sales in NYS: What You Need to Know (2025)

serving throughout central new york
Tools for air conditioning repair and maintenance.
|

As of 2025, New York State (NYS) is making significant changes to how refrigerants are regulated and sold. These changes, led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), aim to reduce environmental impact but will also affect homeowners and businesses relying on heating and cooling systems.

At Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe it’s essential to keep our customers informed about how these updates might impact you directly.

Temporary Pause on Refrigerant Sales Enforcement

The DEC recently announced a temporary pause on enforcing the prohibition of refrigerant sales, meaning you can still purchase and use refrigerants like R-404A, R-438A, R-507, and R-422B for the time being. While this pause provides temporary relief, it’s essential to understand that the enforcement could resume at any time, and long-term changes are already in motion.

How These Changes Could Affect You

For our customers in Syracuse and throughout Upstate NY, these regulations will have noticeable effects on heating and cooling systems.

Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Higher Costs for System Repairs and Maintenance: As high-GWP refrigerants are phased out, maintaining older HVAC systems may become more expensive. Limited availability of these refrigerants could drive up prices, and retrofitting systems to use new refrigerants may be required.

  2. Transition to Newer Refrigerants: Many current systems use refrigerants like R-410A or R-404A, which will be restricted under the new rules. Transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants, such as R-449A, may require new equipment or modifications to your existing system.

  3. Increased Emphasis on Leak Detection and Repairs: The new regulations will require stricter leak management and repairs. This means more frequent inspections and potential repairs to meet compliance standards, particularly for larger systems.

  4. Long-Term Equipment Replacement: For retail businesses and larger facilities, refrigerant rules may lead to earlier-than-expected equipment replacement to comply with the 2035 requirement for ultra-low GWP refrigerants.

What We’re Doing to Help You

At Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re committed to ensuring our customers are prepared for these changes. Here’s how we can assist:

  • Proactive System Evaluations: Our team can assess your current HVAC system to determine whether it’s compatible with new refrigerants or if upgrades are needed.
  • Expert Guidance on Alternatives: We’ll help you navigate the best refrigerant options for your system, ensuring compliance while keeping your costs manageable.
  • Transparent Communication: We’ll keep you updated on any changes to refrigerant regulations, so you’re never caught off guard.

Key Takeaways for Our Customers

  • The DEC has temporarily paused enforcement of refrigerant sales prohibitions, but this is not a permanent solution.
  • Older HVAC systems using high-GWP refrigerants may face higher repair and maintenance costs.
  • Stricter leak detection, repair, and management requirements are coming.
  • Long-term planning is crucial to prepare for the shift toward low-GWP refrigerants.

At Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have questions about how these regulations impact your heating or cooling system, contact us today. Together, we’ll find the best solutions to keep your home or business comfortable while staying compliant with the latest regulations.

Reach out to us at (315) 610-7858 to learn more.