A Industry in Transition

If you've purchased or serviced an HVAC system in the last decade, you've likely heard about refrigerant regulations. The shift from R-22 to R-410A was just the beginning. The industry is now navigating another major transition, driven by global climate agreements and updated U.S. EPA regulations targeting high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.

The R-22 Phaseout: What Happened

R-22 (also known as Freon) was the standard refrigerant in residential air conditioners and heat pumps for decades. However, R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that depletes the ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol and U.S. Clean Air Act regulations:

  • New R-22 production and importation in the U.S. was completely banned as of January 1, 2020.
  • Only reclaimed or recycled R-22 can legally be used to service existing equipment.
  • As a result, R-22 prices have risen dramatically and availability is limited.

If your system still uses R-22 and needs a refrigerant recharge, the cost per pound can be substantial. Most industry professionals recommend replacing R-22 equipment rather than continuing to service it.

R-410A: The Current Standard — For Now

R-410A became the dominant replacement for R-22 and has been the standard refrigerant in new residential HVAC equipment for many years. It doesn't deplete the ozone layer, but it does have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of around 2,088 — meaning it's a potent greenhouse gas if released into the atmosphere.

Under the EPA's AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act) and its implementing rules, R-410A is being phased down in new equipment:

  • As of January 1, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce new residential and light commercial AC and heat pump equipment using R-410A.
  • Existing R-410A equipment can continue to be serviced with R-410A — the refrigerant itself is not yet banned for service use.

What's Replacing R-410A?

Several lower-GWP alternatives are entering the market. The leading replacements include:

  • R-454B (Puron Advance) — Carrier's primary choice, with a GWP of around 466. Mildly flammable (A2L classification).
  • R-32 — Used widely in Asian and European markets, GWP of 675. Also A2L classified.
  • R-290 (Propane) — Used in some mini-split systems. Very low GWP but more flammable (A3 classification). Common in Europe.

The A2L classification of R-454B and R-32 is an important industry shift. While these refrigerants have very low flammability risk, they do require updated installation practices, tools, and technician training.

What This Means for Homeowners

If You Have an R-22 System

Plan for replacement. Continuing to service aging R-22 equipment is becoming cost-prohibitive, and parts availability will continue to decline.

If You Have an R-410A System

You're fine for the foreseeable future. R-410A remains available for servicing existing equipment, and your system is not obsolete. When the time comes to replace it, you'll be upgrading to newer A2L-compatible equipment.

If You're Buying New Equipment in 2025 or Later

All new residential HVAC equipment is now manufactured for A2L refrigerants. This equipment requires A2L-certified technicians and, in some jurisdictions, updated installation requirements. Ensure any contractor you hire is trained and equipped for the new refrigerants.

The Bigger Picture

These refrigerant transitions reflect the HVAC industry's ongoing effort to balance comfort, efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility. While the changes create short-term complexity for technicians and consumers, the long-term result is equipment that has a significantly lower climate impact — an important goal as HVAC systems account for a substantial portion of residential energy use and emissions.