As the HVACR industry experiences rapid change, contractors face challenges in service, supply, and system performance. During ACCA Platinum Strategic Partner Copeland’s recent webinar, “Navigating HVAC Industry Changes,” Director of Regulatory Affairs Jennifer Butsch and Product Marketing Manager Brad Gross broke down key technologies and upcoming shifts contractors need to understand.
ACCA members can access the full webinar recording here.
Highlights from “Adapting to Change: Key HVAC Trends in Refrigerants, Compressors, and Regulations”
Understanding compressor technology fundamentals
Gross walked attendees through the three main types of compressors found in residential HVACR systems:
- Fixed speed (single stage) compressors operate at a set RPM, functioning like an on/off switch. “Fixed, as the name implies. Operates at a set RPM. So it was very much like an on or off like a light switch.” These units cool until reaching the thermostat’s lower set point, then shut off until the upper threshold triggers them again.
- Two-stage compressors use mechanical modulation to deliver either 65% or 100% capacity. “By modulating between 65 and 100%. It provides better comfort and temperature control to the homeowner.” This extends cycle times, limiting on/off cycles and pulling more humidity from homes.
- Variable speed compressors can modulate between 15% and 120% of rated capacity. “Just like the two-stage, it has longer cycle times and provides better load matching to the structure.” They require inverter drives and offer premium comfort through precise load matching.
How different compressors impact home comfort
Gross illustrated how each compressor type affects temperature control and humidity removal:
Fixed speed units create temperature swings between thermostat setpoints with frequent on/off cycles.
Two-stage compressors offer better temperature stability with fewer daily cycles. “Because this compressor can give 65% capacity and not just 100% capacity, it has longer cycles… So the cycles are longer. There’s fewer of them during the day as opposed to fixed-speed compressor. And provides better temperature control for the homeowner. And better comfort control.”
Variable speed systems maintain nearly constant temperatures by matching capacity to the building’s changing load requirements. “As the building load increases throughout the day, the compressor can speed up and match the capacity or the load of the structure. So very little temperature swings throughout the day.”
New service compressor lineup simplifies replacements
With the industry shifting to A2L refrigerants, Copeland has introduced its LXC service compressor lineup to help contractors manage inventory challenges. “You can see in the center of the chart this LXC compressor lineup gives us the ability to consolidate down the vast number of SKUs with the legacy models─meaning the K5, K6, KA, KV, and K7─into one LXC model.”
This consolidation helps ensure contractors have the right compressor on hand when needed. In one example, ten different models can now be replaced with a single LXC unit.
Copeland Mobile app enhances field service
The updated Copeland Mobile app now includes:
- Cross-references to the new LXC model lineup
- An AI assistant called Scout trained on Copeland documentation
- Label scanning capability to identify replacement parts
- Technical information for service technicians
A2L refrigerant transition: What contractors need to know
As of January 1, 2025, systems are now being produced with A2L refrigerants. Gross emphasized that the new compressors are not interchangeable or compatible with different refrigerants:
“These compressors are not interchangeable and not compatible with other refrigerants. So, they can only be used with the refrigerants that are on that label.”
Using refrigerants other than those specified on the label will void compressor warranties.
Regulatory update: Sorting fact from fiction
Butsch cleared up confusion around recent regulatory headlines:
The Technology Transition Rule (refrigerant regulations) currently remains in effect despite speculation about rollbacks. “The technology transition rule today stands as published, and there are no modifications or delays relative to that.”
Energy efficiency standards cannot revert to pre-2023 levels due to anti-backsliding provisions. “The EPCA or Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which includes anti-backsliding provision, meaning we cannot revert back to pre-2023 efficiency levels.”
Central A/C and heat pump test procedure changes scheduled for July 7, 2025, have been delayed to May 20, 2025, but the compliance date currently remains July 7, 2025.
Federal incentives for energy-efficient equipment
Tax credits for higher efficiency equipment have been extended through 2032, with important changes:
- Credits are now tied to Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) tiers rather than Energy Star
- Annual credits replaced lifetime credits
- Heat pump tax credits provide up to $2,000 (30% of installation cost)
- Dual fuel applications could qualify for up to $2,600
“Heat pumps, just a reminder that tax credits for heat pumps are up to $2,000, 30% of the installation cost up to $2,000.”
Two qualifying paths exist for split heat pumps: Path A for colder climates and Path B for traditional heat pump regions, with both likely requiring modulated solutions.
Butsch also discussed rebate programs under the Inflation Reduction Act, noting that state-level implementation varies widely and limited funding means these programs won’t last indefinitely.
Copeland is an ACCA Platinum Strategic Partner. For more information about our Strategic Partner Program, visit our website or email ACCA’s Strategic Partnerships Manager Kenzi Vizzari at kenzi.vizzari@acca.org.
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