If you’ve been putting off your HVAC maintenance services, now’s the time to make it a priority — and not just because Tampa is about to get hot. Between rising equipment costs, new federal refrigerant regulations, and another summer forecasted to bring extreme heat, waiting could cost more than you think.
At Custom Air Conditioning & Air Quality, we’ve seen firsthand how proactive maintenance helps homeowners avoid emergency breakdowns, stay compliant with new EPA rules, and save serious money in the long run. Here’s why scheduling HVAC maintenance now is one of the smartest decisions you can make in 2025.
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Rising Costs Ahead: New Tariffs May Drive Up HVAC Replacement Prices
If you’re on the fence about replacing your HVAC system, now may be the time to act. As of April 2025, new reciprocal tariffs have been announced that are expected to significantly increase the cost of HVAC equipment — both imported units and systems built in the U.S. with foreign components.
As of now, these new tariffs include:
- ⚠️A 34% tariff on HVAC products and parts from China
- ⚠️20% on imports from the European Union
- ⚠️24% or more on goods from Japan
- ⚠️32% on products from Taiwan
- ⚠️And up to 46% on equipment from Vietnam
In addition, a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods is now in effect. While some items from Canada and Mexico remain exempt under the USMCA trade agreement, recent steel and aluminum tariffs still affect many raw materials used in HVAC manufacturing.
What this means for homeowners is simple: HVAC equipment is about to get more expensive.
Even if your system is built in the U.S., the parts it depends on — such as compressors, circuit boards, or coils — often come from countries now facing high tariff rates. The added manufacturing costs are expected to be passed along to customers in the form of higher prices for both parts and full system replacements.
By investing in HVAC maintenance now, you can extend the life of your current system and avoid getting caught in rising costs during the peak summer season.
A well-maintained unit is less likely to fail under pressure, giving you more time and options down the road.
New EPA Refrigerant Rules: Why Certified Technicians Are More Important Than Ever
As of 2025, major changes to EPA refrigerant regulations are officially in effect — and they’re transforming how HVAC systems are serviced and replaced. These changes aim to reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems by phasing out older refrigerants like R-410A and replacing them with newer, lower-impact alternatives such as R-454B and R-32.
This shift is part of a broader federal initiative under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which requires manufacturers to move toward refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 700 or lower by 2025. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and follow in the footsteps of other successful environmental efforts, like the 1990s phase-out of ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol.
So what does this mean for homeowners?
- ✅Older systems aren’t compatible with the new refrigerants and can’t be retrofitted.
- ✅Certified technicians are required to handle these new refrigerants due to mild flammability and new safety standards.
- ✅Modern systems include built-in safety features, such as leak detection sensors, to comply with national safety codes.
- ✅Upfront costs may be higher, but long-term energy savings and available rebates make upgrades worthwhile.
If your system is still running well, regular maintenance is the best way to keep it efficient. But if it’s aging, now is a smart time to consider an upgrade — before costs rise and rebates expire.
Tampa’s Brutal Summers Are Only Getting Worse
Last summer, Tampa saw record-breaking temperatures, with multiple days exceeding the mid-90s and heat indexes pushing well into triple digits. And if meteorologists are right, 2025 is shaping up to bring more of the same — or worse.
Tampa is already feeling the heat — literally. This spring, the city hit 94°F in early April, the earliest it’s been this hot on record by nearly a month. In fact, we’re seeing more 90-degree days than ever before, and they’re arriving far earlier than they used to.
Compared to the 1970s, Tampa now experiences nearly twice as many 90-degree days each year.
This year’s early-season heatwave is being fueled by a combination of climate trends and weather patterns, including a stalled “heat dome” that’s preventing cooling breezes from reaching inland areas.
With highs above 90°F expected to continue, the pressure on HVAC systems is already building — and summer hasn’t even officially started.
When temperatures spike this early, it catches under-maintained HVAC systems off guard.
Without proper cleaning, tune-ups, and airflow checks, your AC unit may struggle to keep up — or worse, break down completely during peak demand. Systems already running at reduced efficiency are at greater risk of overheating, freezing up, or failing outright.
With forecasts pointing toward another hot summer in Tampa, now is the ideal time to get ahead of the heat with a professional tune-up.
The Florida heat puts enormous strain on HVAC systems, especially if they haven’t been serviced recently. When temperatures rise, so does energy demand, and that’s when aging or neglected systems are most likely to fail.
A clogged filter, a worn capacitor, or a refrigerant imbalance may seem like minor issues — until your AC quits on the hottest day of the year.
What a Professional HVAC Tune-Up Includes
Many homeowners know that HVAC maintenance is important, but few know what it actually involves. Our tune-ups are designed to do more than just check a few boxes.
We thoroughly inspect, clean, and optimize your system to make sure it performs at its best when you need it most.
Here’s what’s typically included in a maintenance visit:
- ✅ Cleaning or replacing air filters
- ✅ Checking refrigerant levels and inspecting for leaks
- ✅ Testing electrical components and safety controls
- ✅ Inspecting and tightening all connections
- ✅ Lubricating moving parts to reduce wear and tear
- ✅ Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
- ✅ Calibrating thermostat and verifying proper operation
- ✅ Checking airflow and measuring temperature differentials
Each of these steps plays a role in extending the life of your HVAC system, improving efficiency, and reducing the likelihood of unexpected repairs. We also take the time to answer questions and provide tips for getting the most out of your cooling system throughout the season.
👉 [Learn More About What’s Included in Our Maintenance Plans]
Stay Ahead of the Heat, Costs, and Regulations
Tampa’s summers are no joke — and neither are the costs of replacing a failed HVAC system during peak season. Between rising prices due to tariffs, stricter EPA refrigerant laws, and the ever-increasing demand placed on your AC, it pays to be proactive.
Don’t wait for a breakdown or a heatwave to remind you just how important your cooling system is. Scheduling HVAC maintenance now means more peace of mind, fewer emergency repairs, and a better chance of making it through another Florida summer cool, calm, and collected.
📞 Call (813) 641-4889 to schedule your HVAC tune-up today
💻 Or book your appointment online
🛠️ Ask about our maintenance plans for year-round comfort and savings
💸 Financing available through GoodLeap, Wells Fargo, and Greensky
Stay cool, save money, and extend the life of your HVAC system with Custom Air Conditioning & Air Quality, Tampa’s trusted comfort experts.
