What refrigerant is being phased out?

Author: Kavon Gottlieb  |  Last update: Friday, June 19, 2026

R-410A is a refrigerant that is classified as a greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential and a negative impact on the climate. It is being phased out for a more environmentally friendly solution for HVAC systems.

How long will R-410A be available in the USA?

As a part of this plan, R-410A refrigerant will be gradually phased out of production. The objective is to replace it entirely with A2L refrigerants over time. Starting in 2025, HVAC manufacturers can no longer make equipment that requires R-410A.

What happens if you put R-410A in a R-22 system?

The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur.

What replaces 410A in 2025?

Air conditioner and heat pump manufacturers are rolling out new refrigerants to comply with EPA guidelines. Starting in January 2025, no new HVAC systems will use R-410A refrigerant. Instead, most residential systems will use either R-32 or R-454B refrigerant, both of which have a comparably lower environmental impact.

What refrigerant are they replacing 410A with?

The replacements for R-410A are the two A2Ls, Forane® R-32 and R-454B. Forane® R-32 can be used in new equipment designed specifically for mildly flammable refrigerants as a replacement for R-410A equipment. Its low density allows for the use of a smaller refrigerant charge.

Is R410A refrigerant being phased out?

Can I replace R-410A with R-454B?

No. R-454B is NOT a drop-in replacement for R-410A. Although many of the characteristics of R-454B are similar to R-410A, the use of R-454B is restricted by code and regulation to systems for which it was specifically designed.

What is the new Freon for HVAC 2025?

Starting in 2025, the HVAC industry will shift toward using refrigerants with a lower GWP. Among the most discussed replacements are R-32 and R-454B.

Will there be a drop-in replacement for R-410A?

ComStar's RS-53 (R470A) is the world's only drop-in retrofit replacement for existing R410a systems. At 909, RS-53 has a GWP that is effectively 56% lower than R410a. Additionally, RS-51 (R470B) has a GWP of 717 which is 80% lower than R404a, R507 and half of R448A and R449A.

Should I buy a new AC unit before 2025?

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.

What is the cheapest alternative to R-410A?

RS-53 (R470A) enables users to replace R410A in existing units with minimal changes and inconvenience at low cost.

How much does it cost to convert R-22 to R-410A?

How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.

Can I use R32 instead of R-410A?

R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.

Is Freon R-22 banned?

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.

Why is 410A so expensive right now?

Regulatory Changes: As the phase-out continues to restrict production levels and importation, the R-410A price will likely increase. Manufacturing Costs: Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and manufacturing can also influence the price of refrigerants.

What is the new Freon in 2024?

R-454B is the new refrigerant in 2024. By 2025, the EPA's required phaseout of R-410A will be in full effect, with production, importation, and distribution no longer allowed. HVACR businesses must be evaluating their current choices in coolant and ready to make the jump.

Why is R32 refrigerant banned?

Changes to the Dangerous Goods Legislation, effective in 2021, has new categories for A2L refrigerants. R32 is a synthetic greenhouse gas. If released to the atmosphere it can contribute to climate change. R32 is a flammable refrigerant.

What is the 2025 law for air conditioners?

The 2025 refrigerant transition refers to the new regulations requiring the use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants in HVAC systems. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ozone depletion.

How much is a HVAC system for a 2000 sq ft house?

How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home? The costs range from $6,224 to $11,434, depending on the system type and installation requirements. Key factors include system size, type, efficiency, and local labor rates.

Can an AC unit last 40 years?

While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

How much refrigerant is in a 3 ton unit?

According to PG&E, most central air conditioning systems use two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling capacity. A three-ton air conditioner would typically have six to 12 pounds of refrigerant for a proper charge.

Do you recover 410A as a liquid or vapor?

Liquid recovery is fast, but not all equipment can handle the process. Vapor recovery is slower, but is the most common recovery method used. The push-pull recovery method works best when recovering more than 10 pounds of refrigerant. all of your R-410A tanks and have them re-certified every five years.

Is 410A Freon going away?

Starting in 2023, new HVAC systems will no longer use R-410A. These systems will also be subject to new energy efficiency standards.

Will AC units cost more in 2025?

If you replace your AC after the phaseout begins in January 2025, your costs could increase by as much as 30%. This is because it's more expensive for manufacturers to produce HVAC systems that use the new refrigerants.

How much is R-410A per pound?

R-410A refrigerant prices range from $40 to $75 per pound. To replace R-410A refrigerant in your leaky AC, you will need to hire an HVAC professional since the EPA prohibits handling AC refrigerant without a license.

Is R-32 better than R-410A?

R32 has a GWP of 675, roughly 30% lower than that of R410A. R32 systems use up to 20% less refrigerant than R410A, making them more efficient and cost less to operate. Ozone Depletion Potential of 0. Easier to recycle than R410A, as R32 is a single-component refrigerant.

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