Is Your HVAC System Ready for 2026?

Changes to HVAC refrigerants are already happening, and 2026 is a key milestone for homeowners. By then, new residential HVAC units will need to use lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, which will influence which systems are installed, how future replacements are planned, and what options homeowners might see on the market. For Phoenix homeowners who depend on reliable cooling, understanding these changes now can make future decisions much easier.

At We Fix It, we believe that homeowners should have clear, straightforward information so they can plan with confidence.

Why 2026 Is a Key Year for HVAC Systems

By 2026, new HVAC equipment sold and installed in the U.S. must comply with updated federal refrigerant requirements linked to the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. These rules are actively being phased in and will directly influence the types of systems available in the future.

While existing systems are not being forced out of homes, the equipment landscape is evolving. Homeowners who understand how these regulations impact new installations, replacements, and long-term planning are better positioned to avoid rushed decisions later.

What’s Changing with Refrigerants in 2026

One of the most important updates involves switching from higher-GWP refrigerants to newer, lower-GWP options such as R-454B and R-32. These refrigerants are designed to lessen environmental impact and are becoming the new standard for residential HVAC systems.

Starting in 2025 and continuing into 2026, restrictions will be placed on the manufacture, sale, and installation of certain HVAC systems that use higher-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). As a result, newly manufactured HVAC equipment must be designed to accommodate these lower-GWP refrigerants.

For homeowners, this shift brings a few important realities:

• New systems will use different refrigerants – R-454B and R-32 are becoming standard in new residential equipment.
• Older systems are not refrigerant-compatible – Systems designed for R-410A or R-22 likely cannot be converted to use new low-GWP refrigerants.
• Replacement planning matters more – When it’s time for a new system, refrigerant regulations will influence equipment availability and design.

What This Means for Existing R-410A and R-22 Systems

If your home currently has a system using R-410A or R-22, it’s essential to understand that these systems are not being banned from operation. You can continue to use, service, and maintain their existing equipment.

However, these systems may not be retrofitted to use newer refrigerants like R-454B or R-32. That means refrigerant selection becomes a consideration when planning for eventual replacement—not an immediate emergency, but a factor worth understanding in advance.

Staying current with maintenance can extend the system's lifespan and give homeowners time to plan future upgrades at their convenience.

The Growing Role of Heat Pumps and Electrification

As refrigerant standards evolve, HVAC technology also advances. Heat pumps and electrified systems are becoming more popular because they work well with newer refrigerants and modern efficiency standards.

Heat pumps offer heating and cooling through a single system, and newer models are being designed with low-GWP refrigerants in mind. Although not every home is an ideal fit, many homeowners are increasingly considering heat pumps as part of their long-term plans rather than as a last-minute fix.

Smart HVAC Technology and Efficiency Planning

Alongside refrigerant changes, smart HVAC technology continues to shape how homeowners control comfort and energy use. Smart thermostats and connected systems help homeowners optimize performance while meeting efficiency goals.

Common features include:

• Automated scheduling – Adjusts temperatures based on daily habits.
• Remote access – Allows quick changes from anywhere.
• Usage insights – Helps homeowners understand how heating and cooling patterns affect efficiency.

These tools don’t replace the need for proper equipment planning, but they can enhance newer systems built for modern standards.

How You Can Prepare Now

Preparing for 2026 doesn’t require immediate replacement, but it does benefit from early awareness.

Helpful steps include:

• Identifying your current system’s refrigerant so you understand future compatibility.
• Keeping up with routine maintenance to support reliable performance.
• Discussing long-term options early, before a system failure forces quick decisions.

Planning gives you more flexibility when the time for replacement eventually comes.

A Clear Path Forward

Refrigerant regulations are changing how HVAC systems are designed and installed, but you still have options. Understanding what 2026 represents—and what it doesn’t—can reduce much of the uncertainty. We Fix It is here to help you understand your current system, plan for future changes, and make informed decisions without pressure, just honest guidance from a team that treats every home like a neighbor’s.

For professional guidance and support concerning your HVAC system and the future of these units, call (480) 405-5258 or contact us online.