Why refrigerants keep changing
Refrigerant is the fluid that carries heat out of your home in summer, and into it with a heat pump in winter. Each generation has been replaced for environmental reasons: first to protect the ozone layer, and now to reduce the climate impact of refrigerant that leaks into the air.
Three generations
| Refrigerant | Used in | Where things stand |
|---|---|---|
| R-22 (often called Freon) | Most systems installed before about 2010 | No longer produced in or imported into the US since 2020. Only recycled supply remains, so it is expensive. |
| R-410A (often called Puron) | Most systems from about 2010 to 2024 | Still serviced and widely available, but supply is being reduced on a fixed federal schedule. New home systems using it have not been manufactured since January 1, 2025. |
| R-454B and R-32 | New systems built since January 1, 2025 | Far lower climate impact. Systems are engineered specifically for them, with added safety features. |
What it means for you
If your system uses R-22. It is likely 15 years old or more. Repairs that need refrigerant are costly, and replacement usually makes better sense.
If your system uses R-410A. Nothing needs to change. You can keep using it and repairing it for its full life, including replacing major parts. Over time, though, R-410A supply is being cut back, so a repair involving refrigerant is likely to cost more in a few years than it does today.
If you are buying a new system. New systems use R-454B or R-32. They are designed around those refrigerants from the start, and many are more efficient than the models they replace.
The refrigerant type is printed on the label of your outdoor unit.
How quickly R-410A supply is shrinking
Under the federal AIM Act, production and import of this family of refrigerants is being stepped down against a historic baseline:
| Years | Supply allowed (share of historic baseline) |
|---|---|
| 2024 to 2028 | 60% |
| 2029 to 2033 | 30% |
| 2034 to 2035 | 20% |
| 2036 onward | 15% |
The large step in 2029 is worth keeping in mind if you are deciding whether to repair an older R-410A system or replace it.
Can my system be converted?
No. An R-410A system cannot be switched to R-454B or R-32, and refrigerants must never be mixed. The newer refrigerants need equipment designed for them, so the only way to change refrigerant is a new system.
"Old stock" R-410A systems
A federal rule that took effect in July 2026 allows contractors to keep installing R-410A systems that were manufactured before January 1, 2025, until existing stock runs out. They can be offered at clearance prices, but the sizes and matching indoor coils available are limited, the equipment may have been in storage for some time, and every future refrigerant repair will rely on a shrinking supply. California also has its own refrigerant rules, which can be stricter than the federal ones, so ask us whether an old-stock system can be installed at your home.
If you are offered one, ask for the manufacture dates of both the outdoor unit and the indoor coil, and the warranty terms, in writing. We will always tell you honestly how an old-stock system compares with a current one for your home.
Are the new refrigerants safe?
Yes. R-454B and R-32 are classed as "A2L": low toxicity and mildly flammable, meaning they are hard to ignite. Equipment built for them includes safety features such as leak detection, and installers are trained to handle them. As with every refrigerant, only certified technicians may buy and work with them.