Urgent: HVAC Equipment Shortage Could Leave You Without Cooling This Summer
If your HVAC system breaks down in July, there’s a real chance you won’t be able to get a replacement. A nationwide refrigerant transition is causing severe shortages of both conventional and new equipment—and for Nantucket homeowners, that could mean days or weeks without cooling during the peak of summer.
At North Winds Mechanical, we want our clients to understand that this isn’t a typical supply delay. This is an industry-wide disruption, and it’s already affecting projects here on the island. If you wait until your system fails in-season, there may be no immediate replacement options available.
What’s Causing the Shortage?
1. R-410A is Being Phased Out—And Production Has Already Ended
Under a federal mandate, HVAC manufacturers have stopped making R-410A systems in favor of A2L refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. These new refrigerants are more environmentally friendly but come with new code requirements and installation protocols.
R-410A systems are no longer being produced. Once current stock runs out, it’s gone for good.
2. A2L Refrigerants Are in Short Supply
New tariffs and a lack of U.S. production have caused a critical shortage of A2L refrigerants—especially R-454B. Prices have spiked over 50%, and supply is extremely limited. We’ve already seen projects delayed or canceled because there wasn’t enough refrigerant available to complete the installation.
Why This Hits Nantucket Hard
With a short, high-value summer season, every day counts—especially for rental properties. A broken system in July could mean:
No availability for R-410A replacements.
No ability to install A2L systems due to lack of refrigerant.
Lost rental revenue, unhappy guests, or disrupted family vacations.
We’re seeing this unfold now—not later. There’s still time for conventional and heat pump customers to act, but that window is closing quickly.
What’s Already Changing on Nantucket
Geothermal customers have no choice but to use A2L systems. We’ve already installed some of the first residential A2L geothermal systems in the country right here this spring.
High-efficiency R-410A Bosch BOVD systems, which are still eligible for Mass Save rebates, are available—but in very limited supply.
Once heat pump inventory is depleted, we’ll offer non-rebate, AC-only stopgap solutions—but these are a fallback, not a long-term answer.
What You Should Do Now
If your system is aging or unreliable, or if you’re planning a property upgrade or tenant turnover, the safest move is to schedule your installation now. Don’t roll the dice in July.
Rental property owners: Delays can mean lost income and reputational damage during your most important months.
Builders and renovators: Coordinate with us now to avoid delays in permitting and completion due to unavailable systems.
Final Thoughts
We are securing as much remaining R-410A inventory as possible, but once it’s gone, it’s gone. We do not expect A2L refrigerant availability to stabilize until at least September.
If you need a new system this summer—you need to act now.
Contact North Winds Mechanical today to schedule a system upgrade before your options disappear.
