Why R-410A Still Makes Sense on Nantucket This Summer — And How North Winds Is Ready
As HVAC demand climbs during the summer season on Nantucket, many homeowners are hearing about the transition to a new refrigerant: R-454B. While that refrigerant will play an important role in the future of the HVAC industry, summer 2025 is a transitional period — and for most homeowners and property managers, sticking with R-410A right now is still the smarter move.
At North Winds Mechanical, we’ve taken steps to ensure that our clients can avoid unnecessary delays, confusion, or extra costs. Here’s what you need to know.
We’ve Stocked R-410A Equipment and Refrigerant On-Island
Over the winter, we stocked up on R-410A systems, parts, and refrigerant and secured reliable supply lines from our partners. Everything is ready to go — here on Nantucket — meaning faster installs, fewer delays, and no scrambling when a heat wave hits.
With R-410A in inventory and our team fully prepared, we’re offering reliable and efficient installations when other contractors may still be waiting on shipments or parts.
R-410A Is Still Fully Legal and Proven in the Field
Despite regulatory changes coming over the next few years, R-410A is still fully legal to install, service, and operate. It’s a well-known, time-tested refrigerant that every technician on the island is familiar with. It's also less expensive right now than many R-454B systems and doesn’t require specialized tools or additional training for basic service or repairs.
For homeowners and property managers who want a fast, dependable installation and easy maintenance, R-410A continues to be a smart and budget-conscious choice for summer 2025.
R-454B Availability Is Limited — Even If Suppliers Are Pushing It
Some manufacturers are already producing and shipping HVAC systems that use R-454B, but the support infrastructure hasn’t caught up. Parts and refrigerant are still in short supply, and many techs across the island — and even across the region — aren’t yet equipped with the tools or experience to fully support those systems.
What this means for you: If you choose a system with R-454B this summer, it may take longer to install. If service is needed down the line, replacement parts or refrigerant could be delayed, and service calls may take longer to complete. Costs can also be higher, both up front and over time.
We’re Ready for R-454B — When It Makes Sense
There are definitely situations where R-454B is the right or only choice. Some high-performance systems and all newer geothermal units are being built around this next-gen refrigerant. If that’s the case for your project, rest assured: our team is actively training on R-454B systems, we’re coordinating with suppliers, and we’ll be transparent about lead times and requirements.
Whether your system uses R-410A or R-454B, North Winds is ready to install and service it with professionalism and speed.
The Bottom Line
R-454B is the future — and we support that evolution. But for this summer, R-410A remains the best choice for most installations on Nantucket. It’s faster, more cost-effective, and fully supported by our in-house inventory and technician team.
By preparing ahead and stocking the right equipment, North Winds Mechanical is helping you avoid the uncertainty of a supply-constrained season. Let’s get your home cooled — on your timeline.
Call us today at 508-825-6297 to secure your install.