R-32 is the most balanced refrigerant in terms of environmental impact, energy efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Refrigerant is a medium for conveying heat.
R-32 is the most balanced refrigerant in terms of Environmental Impact/Energy Efficiency/Safety/Cost-Effectiveness for Stationary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps.
The lower GWP of R32 means it has a lower impact on the environment compared to R22 and R410A. Energy efficiency: R32 has a higher energy efficiency compared to R22 and R410A, which means that air conditioning systems using R32 require less energy to operate and can result in lower electricity consumption and cost.
R-410A Refrigerant: One of the first R22 alternatives to come out after the Freon ban, R-410A was soon recalled because it, too, has serious effects on the environment. R-454B Refrigerant: This refrigerant was developed to replace R-410A once it was recalled. R-454B is best suited to commercial chillers and heat pumps.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned R22 freon in the country. Why? R22 contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer – which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation from the sun and protects us from its harmful effects – and the ecosystem in general.
In the first half of 2024 we'll phase out our R-410A dedicated models and introduce -01 refrigerant versatile models, compatible with both R-410A and R-454B refrigerants.
As Freon was phased out, new HVAC systems began using a refrigerant known as Puron® or R-410A, an HFC. More efficient and less harmful to the environment, R-410A has been in use since its introduction in 1996 and is found in most of today's modern HVAC systems.
While we still service HVAC equipment using Freon, most residential HVAC units are now using Puron® or R-410A, a type of hydrocarbon refrigerant without the chlorine. The reason for the switch was to reduce the impact that the gasses have on the ozone layer and the environment.
For homeowners, the 2025 refrigerant changes mean new air conditioning systems purchased after this date will likely use R-32, R-454B, or other low-GWP refrigerants.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
R-134a refrigerant, also known as Tetrafluoroethane, is a popular choice for commercial refrigeration systems due to its low toxicity and non-flammability. It is commonly used in medium- and high-temperature applications, such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, and chillers.
Regulatory - There are no published regulations or granted EPA petitions that state R-32 will be prohibited in the U.S. after 2029. In fact, R-32 is a single component refrigerant, while R-454B is a blend that consists of nearly 70% R-32.
AC units manufactured since 2010 use R410A, and more recently, R32 refrigerants, both are virtually odourless. This means that a smell of rotten eggs is unlikely to be the smell of leaking refrigerant coming from your air conditioner itself.
CFCs and HCFCs are the most harmful because they contain chlorine. These refrigerants are also relatively stable, meaning they don't get destroyed easily by rain or sunlight. This makes it more likely that they will reach the stratosphere, where the ozone layer is.
It was only after 2020 that it became illegal to manufacture or import R-22 refrigerant. R-410A will be phased out in much the same way. Since so many systems use R-410A refrigerant, it's not going anywhere. We'll have R-410A on hand for many years to come and will easily be able to service HVAC systems that use it.
R410A or Puron
R410A is a latest refrigerant that is not only good for the environment, but it also provides a much more efficient cooling experience. It is used extensively in refrigerators and air condoners worldwide for its 0 ODP and a medium (2088) GWP rating.
R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane), also known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, was a common refrigerant for HVAC systems. It is now a banned refrigerant that is illegal to import or manufacture.
When Will R-410A Be Phased Out Completely? The complete phase-out of R-410A will likely occur by 2036, when HFC consumption is expected to be reduced by 85%. However, businesses should prepare well in advance, as the restrictions beginning in 2025 will already limit its use significantly.
In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of newly manufactured residential air conditioning units and heat pumps that use R-22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air. On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22.
Luckily, many modern AC systems manufactured since 2010 no longer use Freon. Most newer systems use Puron, another refrigerant, but one that is less harmful to the ozone layer. Since 2015, Puron has replaced Freon as the staple refrigerant for residential AC units.
If your system is nearing the end of its life, replacing it before 2025 could be a smart move to avoid higher prices later. Rising Repair Costs: If your system requires frequent repairs or uses R-22 refrigerant, which is already phased out, you might be better off replacing it now.
In 2010, the EPA passed the Clean Air Act, outlawing its use in new devices. As such, new AC systems generally use one of the following types of refrigerants: R-410 (Puron): Most air conditioners produced between 1996 (when scientists invented it) and 2020 use Puron.
In general, Puron systems are more energy efficient than Freon systems. This energy efficiency not only proves good for the environment, it also means homeowners pay less in utility bills. More environmentally friendly. The main draw of Puron is that it is more environmentally friendly than Freon.
HVAC Regulation and Refrigerant Changes
Starting in 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) raised the minimum energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems. For homeowners, this means that any new air conditioning unit installed must meet higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings.
As mentioned earlier, Freon costs about $125 – $150 per pound. Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit.