R-410A is the refrigerant that replaced R-22 in air conditioning and heat pump systems manufactured after 2009.
R-410A refrigerant is a blend of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) compounds R-32 and R-125. It has been used as a replacement for R-22 (commonly known as Freon). The United States and the European Union have prohibited the use of R-22 in the manufacture of new air conditioning units since January 1st, 2010.
Because R-410A operates at such high pressures, there is an increased risk of an environmentally harmful refrigerant leak during maintenance and repair work. The R-410A phase-out means new HVAC systems will use more sustainable refrigerants.
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and consumption of certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R-410A. This phasedown began in 2022 with a 90% production allowance (meaning businesses must reduce HFC-derived CO2 emissions to 90% of baseline values) that drops to 15% by 2036 and beyond.
No. R-410A is still perfectly legal for use in existing air conditioning and heat pump systems. However, newly manufactured HVAC units in the US are required to use a new refrigerant with a lower global warming potential (GWP).
Supplies of R-410A should be available for years to come. However, as inventory dwindles, it will become more expensive. This will mean if you need a refrigerant recharge of an R-410A system, the price 5 years from now will be much higher than it is today.
Trane is transitioning to using R-454B refrigerant in our residential cooling systems, using a phased-in approach. These refrigerants are more sustainable with a low GWP and 0 ozone depletion potential (ODP).
Read this article on the refrigerant transition for a more thorough explanation of the science behind the change.
Your owner’s manual will say what refrigerant your HVAC system uses. If you can’t find the manual, contact the HVAC company that provides you with repair services. They will know what refrigerant your unit requires.
If your HVAC system still uses R-22 or R-410A, you don’t need to replace or stop using your system right away. The EPA’s plan to phase out these harmful refrigerants stretches out into the next decade. That will allow homeowners to switch to environmentally friendly refrigerants at a time that’s convenient for their system.
Right now, an HVAC professional with a supply of these older refrigerants can still maintain and service your HVAC system. Keep in mind that the supply of reclaimed/recycled R-22 is dwindling, but the supply of R-410A should be ample for years to come.
Check out our Complete Guide to HVAC Refrigerants for more information.
If your air conditioning system is still functioning and uses a refrigerant that is being phased out, you can continue to have the central AC unit or heat pump serviced or repaired. A trained HVAC professional can maintain your cooling system and add refrigerant if needed, using their expertise and tools.
As a homeowner with an older air conditioning system, schedule yearly HVAC maintenance and change your air filters regularly. Doing so can help minimize environmental damage.
Replace your older AC unit or heat pump when the unit has reached the end of its lifespan. (15-20 years). You can get further guidance in our Repair or Replace Guide.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by: Jeff Stewart, Refrigeration Chief Engineer
Refrigerant is a chemical cooling compound that absorbs and releases heat at different points in the heat exchange cycle as it runs throughout an HVAC system.
R-454B is a blend of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). R-454B has a lower GWP than previous refrigerants.
AC refrigerants and global warming potential are in the news because the HVAC industry is undergoing a major transition to slow the effects of climate change.
R-22 is a chemical cooling compound used in older air conditioners and heat pumps. It is currently being phased out of production and use due to its harmful environmental impact.
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