New HVAC technologies to consider in 2025
What’s new in HVAC for 2025
2025 is a pivotal year for heating, cooling, and indoor air quality. Across homes and commercial buildings alike, the biggest trends center on high-efficiency heat pumps, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, grid-aware smart controls, safer low‑GWP refrigerants, and healthier air strategies for wildfire smoke and everyday pollutants. In Southern California’s mild climate, these innovations can cut energy use, stabilize comfort in hard-to-condition spaces, and improve the air you breathe—when they are designed, installed, and commissioned correctly.
It’s important to note that many of these systems are not DIY-friendly. Modern HVAC involves electrical, mechanical, and refrigerant safety standards; in fact, insurers and equipment warranties often require documentation from licensed, manufacturer-trained professionals. The sections below explain what’s changed and how to evaluate your options.
Heat pumps go mainstream—again
Inverter-driven heat pumps dominate HVAC technologies in 2025. Unlike single-speed systems, inverters modulate output to match the load, delivering quieter operation, better humidity control, and fewer temperature swings. Options include ducted heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and increasingly popular ducted mini-splits for homes that want the low-load performance of a mini-split with the clean look of ducts.
- Cold-climate performance: New compressors and control logic maintain capacity during cool nights common along the coast and in valleys.
- Heat pump water heaters: Emerging CO2 (R‑744) heat pump water heaters can deliver high hot-water output with very low energy use.
- Zoning compatibility: Paired with smart zoning, inverter systems reduce overconditioning in unused rooms.
Proper design still matters. Manual J/S/D calculations, correct refrigerant line sizing, and commissioning (airflow balancing, charge verification, and controls setup) are essential to achieve the advertised savings.
Smarter, grid-ready controls
Smart thermostats and room sensors in 2025 do more than set schedules. They integrate with demand response programs, pre-cool during off‑peak hours, and coordinate with batteries or solar to reduce bills. Connected IAQ sensors track PM2.5, CO2, and humidity and can signal ventilation or filtration upgrades.
Zoning with ECM blowers
Electronically commutated motor (ECM) blowers pair well with zoning. By adjusting fan speed to duct pressure, they maintain airflow and quiet operation. Modern zoning panels protect equipment from short cycling and can coordinate with ducted mini-splits or variable-capacity heat pumps for fine-grained room control.
VRF for complex residential and commercial projects
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) remains a top choice for large and complex projects where long piping runs, multiple zones, heat recovery, and tight architectural constraints are common. A dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) can be added for code-compliant ventilation while VRF handles sensible and latent loads efficiently. In dense urban buildings or luxury homes with diverse exposures, VRF’s ability to move heat from one zone to another is a major advantage.
For safety, VRF requires meticulous refrigerant design (charge limits, leak detection for certain occupancies) and commissioning. Improper configuration can defeat efficiency goals or violate code, which is why insurers frequently ask for licensed documentation.
Refrigerants in 2025: A2L is the new normal
New equipment is rapidly moving to A2L refrigerants such as R‑32 and R‑454B, which have lower global warming potential than legacy blends. These refrigerants are mildly flammable, so 2025 systems are designed to new safety standards, and installations must follow code requirements for ventilation, electrical protection, and refrigerant charge limits.
- Permitting and code: California mechanical and building codes reference updated safety standards for A2L systems.
- Service practices: Technicians need EPA 608 certification, A2L-compatible tools, and leak/pressure testing procedures with nitrogen and proper evacuation.
DIY work on A2L systems is risky and can void warranties or jeopardize insurance coverage.
Indoor air quality: filtration, ventilation, and wildfire smoke
Healthy air is at the core of 2025 HVAC strategies. High-MERV filters (MERV 13–16) or HEPA filtration in dedicated bypass cleaners target fine particles and wildfire smoke. Energy recovery ventilators (ERV) and heat recovery ventilators (HRV) provide controlled fresh air while managing energy loss, humidity, and pressure balance. Smart IAQ monitors automate responses—boosting ventilation when CO2 climbs or increasing filtration during smoke events.
- Wildfire season: Consider a sealed return path, upgraded gaskets, and MERV 13+ media to limit smoke infiltration.
- UV-C and add-ons: UV-C helps with coil hygiene but must be shielded and sized correctly; rely on solutions tested to recognized standards.
Balanced IAQ design prevents negative pressure, avoids backdraft risks, and protects sensitive occupants with comprehensive filtration and source control.
Energy code, incentives, and resilience
California Title 24 continues to push toward higher efficiency, verified airflow, and right-sized systems. Many utilities offer rebates for heat pumps, high-efficiency fan motors, and smart thermostats, and federal incentives may apply in some cases. Programs change frequently—always verify current requirements before purchasing equipment to ensure eligibility and proper documentation.
How to choose the right 2025 solution
- Start with a load calculation: Size to the building, not the old nameplate.
- Prioritize the envelope: Air sealing and insulation improve comfort and reduce system size.
- Plan for filtration and ventilation: MERV 13+ or HEPA where practical, plus ERV/HRV in tight homes.
- Evaluate refrigerant and code impacts: A2L readiness, clearances, and charge limits.
- Think controls: Smart sensors, zoning, and demand response compatibility.
- Commissioning matters: Airflow, charge, and controls verification lock in performance.
Who we are and where we work
#1 AC Guys is a family-run HVAC company based in Los Angeles, serving Los Angeles County and nearby areas including Orange County, Ventura County, and Western Riverside County. Our fourth-generation family of engineers brings 80+ years of engineering experience to residential and commercial projects, with a special focus on large and complex systems. Our mission is simple: healthy air at home for a healthy life.
Our engineers trained at manufacturer facilities for key technologies—Fujitsu (Japan), Mitsubishi Elektrik (Thailand), Midea (China), Gree (China), and Hier (China)—equipping us to apply best practices on modern inverter, VRF, and mini-split platforms. Representative cities we serve include Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, Long Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Riverside, and Corona.
Final note: Modern HVAC work involves electrical safety, refrigerant handling, and code compliance. For warranty, safety, and insurance reasons, many upgrades must be performed and documented by qualified professionals.
Yasmine is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Mount Saint Mary College where she teaches a wide array of courses in the Psychology department. She is a Fulbright Scholar spent a year working at the Medical Decision Making Center at Ono Academic College in Israel.
Yet, as many higher education professionals can surely attest to, I have also witnessed the other challenge in group decision making. In academia, engaging in critical dissent is encouraged (reviewed by Jetten & Hornsey, 2014), and while this is a fine attribute, practically,
