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• Heating Unit: Furnace (gas, electric, or oil), or heat pump (increasingly common and required to meet new standards).

• Cooling Unit: Central air conditioner or heat pump.

• Air Handler/Blower: Circulates air through the system.

• Ductwork: Supply and return ducts for distributing conditioned air.

• Thermostat: Smart or programmable, required by code for energy efficiency.

• Vents and Registers: For air distribution in each room.

• Refrigerant Lines: Copper tubing connecting outdoor and indoor units.

• Condensate Drain Line: Removes moisture from the system.

• Electrical Connections: Dedicated circuits and disconnects for HVAC.

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• Refrigerant: All new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must use A2L refrigerants (such as R-454B or R-32), which have a lower global warming potential. Older refrigerants like R-410A are being phased out, and new systems must be compliant starting January 1, 2025123.

• Efficiency Standards: Systems must meet higher SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, which are stricter than previous SEER requirements. Minimums have increased nationwide, making new units more energy-efficient467.

• Heat Pump Ready: New builds must include a dedicated 240V circuit for future heat pump installation, even if a gas furnace is initially installed5.

• Smart Thermostats: Required for most new systems to maximize efficiency and meet code requirements5.

• Proper Insulation and Duct Sealing: To meet energy codes and ensure efficiency45.

• Certified Equipment: All HVAC equipment must be certified to meet federal and state energy standards5.

• Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation (HRV/ERV) for fresh air and humidity control, meeting ASHRAE 62.2 standards4.

• Air Filtration: MERV-rated filters or higher for improved indoor air quality.

• Surge Protection: For sensitive electronic components.

• Condensate Pump: If gravity drainage is not possible.

• Pad or Mounting Bracket: For outdoor condenser unit.

• Manual J, S, and D Calculations: For proper system sizing, equipment selection, and duct design4.

• Permits and Inspections: Required to ensure code compliance and safe operation.

• Licensed HVAC Contractor: Professional installation is essential for safety, warranty, and efficiency.

• Variable-speed compressors and blowers

• Zoned HVAC systems for room-by-room control

• Integrated smart home controls

• Ductless mini-split systems for additions or specific rooms

Component/Requirement	2025 Standard/Note
Furnace/Heat Pump	Must use A2L refrigerant (R-454B, R-32); higher SEER2 efficiency
Central AC/Heat Pump	Same as above
Ductwork	Properly sized/sealed; insulated to code
Thermostat	Smart/programmable required
Ventilation (HRV/ERV)	Required for fresh air, humidity control (ASHRAE 62.2)
Electrical	Dedicated circuits, exterior disconnect, surge protection
Refrigerant Lines	Compatible with A2L refrigerants
Permits/Inspections	Mandatory for code compliance
Air Filtration	MERV-rated or higher
Heat Pump Ready Circuit	Dedicated 240V circuit for future upgrades

Key Takeaways:

• All new HVAC installs in 2025 must use low-GWP A2L refrigerants and meet tougher efficiency standards.

• Smart thermostats, proper ventilation, and duct sealing are required for compliance and comfort.

• Professional installation and code compliance are essential for safety, efficiency, and warranty coverag

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