If your HVAC system is outdated, unreliable, or just not keeping up — this is your last real chance to replace it affordably.

Starting January 1, 2026, federal regulations will ban the installation of all new R-410A HVAC systems, no matter what inventory is left. And here’s what most people don’t realize:

✅ Replace Now, Save Thousands

R-410A replacements are simple and cost-effective:

• Outdoor condenser

• Indoor coil

• In many cases, you can keep your existing air handler or furnace

That means less labor, fewer parts, and up to 50% lower costs than what’s coming next.

Newer R-410A systems still meet high efficiency standards — and we can install them fast, while inventory and rebates are still available.

⚠️ Wait Until 2026, and You’ll Be Forced to:

• Replace your entire system (air handler, coil, and condenser)

• Pay for more expensive refrigerant (R-454B or R-32)

• Add new code-required sensors and safety upgrades

• Cover 30–50% more in labor and parts

• Wait for backorders, inspections, and added complexity

If your property still uses an R-22 or R-410A HVAC system, now is the most important time to act. Waiting until failure could leave you with no cost-effective options, incompatible systems across your buildings, or a peak-season emergency when equipment and labor are hardest to secure.

At North Winds Mechanical, we are still installing in-stock R-410A systems, offering the best overall value on the market today. At the same time, we are leading the transition to A2L-compliant geothermal systems, including both self-contained and split configurations already installed here on Nantucket.

If you're planning to heat a pool on Nantucket, you’re faced with an important decision:
Do you install a traditional standalone pool heater—or a high-efficiency boiler?

At first glance, a pool heater might seem like the simpler route. But for high-value island properties, the smarter, longer-lasting solution is often a boiler system paired with a titanium heat exchanger. Not only does this offer better performance and quieter operation, it unlocks year-round benefits for guest houses, pool houses, and future property use.

If your home still uses an R-22 HVAC system, the time to replace it is right now. R-22 (commonly known as Freon) has been banned from production and import in the U.S. since 2020. Replacement parts are becoming nearly impossible to find, and the cost of repairs continues to rise dramatically.

More importantly, you cannot retrofit an R-22 system to use the next generation of A2L refrigerants such as R-454B. These refrigerants require entirely new equipment, updated ventilation, and additional safety protocols. Once R-410A is no longer available, R-22 homeowners will face only one option: a full system redesign at a much higher cost.

If you’re looking to avoid that financial hit, now is the time to replace your R-22 system with a modern R-410A system while supplies and rebates last.

As of June 2025, Nantucket homeowners planning premium HVAC or geothermal upgrades are facing a narrowing window of opportunity. A proposed federal budget—informally called the “Big Beautiful Bill”—is expected to terminate some of the most valuable federal energy incentives currently available to property owners:

Nantucket basements and crawlspaces are under attack from hidden moisture. Learn how ducted and standalone dehumidifiers protect your home, health, and investment from mold, rot, and structural damage—whether your space is finished or not.

As summer approaches and HVAC demand ramps up across Nantucket, a key question is emerging: Should you install an R-410A system this year, or switch to the newer R-454B units that some suppliers are pushing?

While R-454B represents the future of HVAC refrigerants—and we fully support that transition—summer 2025 is a transitional period. And right now, the smartest choice for most homeowners and property managers is to stick with R-410A.

The federal government is preparing to phase out the ENERGY STAR program for HVAC systems—potentially costing homeowners thousands in lost rebates, higher utility bills, and limited equipment options. At North Winds Mechanical, we break down what this change means, what’s still available, and how to protect your investment now—before summer hits.

As homeowners and property managers on Nantucket, you’re well aware of the challenges of maintaining home systems in an island environment. Supply chain complexities, rising costs, and shipping delays are all part of the equation. But broader economic policies, like federal tariffs, can also play a significant role in shaping the HVAC industry—and your bottom line.

Wine refrigerators are a luxurious and practical addition to many homes, often installed in high-traffic areas like kitchens, wet bars, and dining rooms. While newly installed systems are designed with safety in mind, older models may contain outdated refrigerants like R-134a and hazardous chemicals such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These substances pose potential health and environmental risks, especially when their presence overlaps with food preparation and storage spaces.