Edited: June 9, 2025
If you’ve been hearing that air conditioning and HVAC costs are rising again this year—you’re right. But it’s not just seasonal demand or supply chain issues anymore. In 2025, new federal rules are changing the entire HVAC industry, causing shortages, price hikes, and confusion for homeowners across Spokane and Northern Idaho.
At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, our team has been preparing for this shift for over a year. We’re ready—and we’re here to help you stay cool without overpaying.
Why HVAC Prices Are Surging (And What It Means for You)
Homeowners across Spokane and Northern Idaho are already feeling the ripple effects of these changes—higher repair quotes, longer wait times, and fewer options when systems fail. It’s not just frustrating—it’s a sign of where the HVAC industry is headed. Let’s break down the key reasons prices are rising right now, and what that means for you if you’re thinking about a repair or replacement this season.
1. Refrigerant Rules Are Changing—and Inventory Is Tight
In 2025, federal rules are shifting the HVAC industry to new refrigerants. That’s led to a national shortage of systems using R-454B—the refrigerant many manufacturers expected to be standard.
Mainstream chose a different path.
We stock R-32 systems that are available now—and they’re just as efficient, just as reliable, and ready to install without the current supply headaches.
We don’t know how long inventory will last, but right now, if you need a new AC, we can get it done.
No waiting weeks. No chasing parts. No surprise price hikes. Just the right system, installed by local experts who’ve planned ahead.
2. Supply Chain Pressure Is Still a Problem—And Tariffs Aren’t Helping
Even in 2025, HVAC parts are still hard to come by—and the situation is heading in the wrong direction.
Ongoing global delays, tariffs on imported materials, and increased demand for regulated components like copper coils and compressors are making it harder to get the parts and systems homeowners need. Most refrigerant is now sourced overseas, and any disruption—political or logistical—can send prices soaring overnight.
What this means for you:
- Waiting to repair or replace your system could mean paying more
- Parts that are available today might be on backorder next week
- Every day you wait, the list of available options gets a little shorter
There’s no guaranteed timeline for when these problems will ease up. But if your HVAC system is aging, struggling, or already on the fritz, the safest (and most affordable) move is to act now—before costs climb again..
3. Summer Rush = Higher Costs, Longer Waits
When temperatures soar into the 90s and 100s, so do emergency service calls. Last July, Spokane hit 109°F. When that happens again, HVAC companies without a plan will leave you sweating.
But with Mainstream, you get:
- Priority scheduling for planned installs and tune-ups
- Clear pricing, never surge pricing, even in heatwaves
- 24/7 service, so you’re never stuck waiting for help
The best time to schedule service? Right now—before the seasonal rush begins.
How to Stay Ahead—And Stay Cool
With prices rising and supply shrinking, there’s a simple truth for Spokane and Northern Idaho homeowners: the longer you wait, the more you’ll pay. But if you act now, you can stay ahead of the summer rush, avoid inflated costs, and finally stop worrying about your failing AC.
Here’s what to do next:
Upgrade Your Old AC Before It’s Too Late
If your system is over 10 years old—or you’ve had to call for repairs more than once in the past year—it’s probably time to replace. And that’s not just us saying it. With refrigerant shortages and part delays, many older systems can’t be fixed quickly or affordably anymore.
Replacing your system now means:
- You avoid the current refrigerant shortage
- You don’t get stuck waiting weeks for parts that might not show up
- You get reliable cooling before the next heatwave
Mainstream has systems in stock today—and installations available before the summer crush begins.
Flexible payment options starting at $99/month make it even easier to move forward without the sticker shock.
Book Now—Before Prices Spike (Again)
Every summer, demand soars. And every summer, prices go up. With new regulations and product shortages in play, 2025 is shaping up to be worse than usual.
Scheduling now locks in:
- Today’s pricing before mid-season hikes
- Your installation slot before they fill up
- The best shot at available rebates and tax credits
We’re not trying to scare you—we’re trying to save you from paying more when you don’t have to.
Not Ready to Replace? At Least Schedule a Tune-Up
If a new system isn’t in the cards just yet, don’t go into summer blind. A full system check-up can help you:
- Catch a problem before your AC dies in the middle of July
- Run your system more efficiently (which means lower energy bills)
- Plan ahead if a replacement might be needed this year
Nobody wants to find out they need a new system after it breaks—and there’s a three-week wait to get it installed.
Lock In Your Price. Stay Cool While You Still Can.
Don’t wait for heatwaves, price hikes, or supply shortages to catch you off guard. Schedule your HVAC upgrade with Mainstream today and secure:
- Today’s pricing
- Fast installation
- Reliable cooling all summer
We’ve got systems in stock and appointments available—but not for long.
We are HVAC. We are Mainstream.
