Commercial HVAC News — Summer 2025

At Level One HVAC, we stay ahead of the latest commercial HVAC updates so our Michigan clients can plan smart, stay compliant, and manage costs effectively. Here’s a quick roundup of important 2025 news for commercial buildings across Michigan.

Michigan’s New Commercial Energy Code Is Here

Michigan’s Part 10a Commercial Energy Code—which adopts the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with state amendments or ASHRAE 90.1-2019—went into effect on April 22, 2025.

This means new and renovated commercial buildings must now meet higher standards for:

HVAC system efficiency
Building envelope performance
Ventilation and economizer controls
Commissioning requirements

For full details, you can review the ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standard or visit the ASHRAE website.

Refrigerant Regulations Tighten

The EPA’s AIM Act is driving the phasedown of high-GWP HFC refrigerants. As of January 1, 2025, many new comfort-cooling systems must use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) below 750.

In early August, the D.C. Circuit Court upheld EPA’s phasedown program, confirming that the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants will continue through 2036.

For facility managers, this means:

Expect supply pressure and rising costs on older refrigerants.
Prepare for A2L refrigerant adoption, which requires updated safety procedures and technician training.
Consider partnering with programs like refrigerant reclaim or clean-exchange to manage older refrigerant stock responsibly.

Incentives for Michigan Businesses

Utility rebates remain one of the best ways to offset HVAC upgrade costs. DTE Energy’s 2025 Business Energy Efficiency Programs are live and include rebates for:

High-efficiency RTUs and chillers
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Advanced controls, economizers, and demand ventilation systems
Custom incentive paths for larger retrofits

Learn more about DTE’s current offerings on their Business Energy Efficiency Programs page.

Michigan Market Notes

Manufacturer expansion: Samsung HVAC has broadened its Michigan distribution network, giving property managers more access to VRF and advanced heat pump systems.
Public sector demand: Schools and municipalities are increasingly specifying electrification-ready designs, hydronic conversions, and advanced control retrofits—signaling steady growth in sustainable building upgrades.

What Facility Managers Should Do Now

Design & Permit with the new code: Ensure all new commercial projects meet 2021 IECC / ASHRAE 90.1-2019 requirements.
Plan refrigerant transitions early: Don’t wait for supply shortages—specify compliant equipment now.
Take advantage of rebates: Pre-apply with DTE before starting projects.
Standardize building sequences: Update control logic and setpoints to align with new code expectations.

Partner with Level One HVAC

At Level One HVAC, we provide full-service commercial HVAC solutions across Michigan, including:

Design-build and construction services for new builds and retrofits
Preventative maintenance programs to extend system life
Refrigerant management and buyback programs for compliance and cost savings
Energy-efficiency consulting to maximize rebates and lower operating costs
Building Automation Services for remote monitoring and energy optimization

Ready to plan your next upgrade? Contact Level One HVAC today to discuss how we can help your property stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.

Level One HVAC Services, Inc.

Toll Free 844-616-4822

Headquarters 248-486-6500

Grand Rapids 616-616-4822

West Branch 989-999-4822