The HVAC industry is transitioning to new refrigerants with lower environmental impact. Here's what homeowners need to understand about these changes.
The Refrigerant Timeline
R-22 (Freon):
Used in AC systems until 2010
No longer produced or imported (as of 2020)
Existing supplies increasingly expensive
Systems still operating but costly to service
R-410A (Puron):
Replaced R-22 starting in 2010
Current standard in most new systems
Being phased down starting 2025
Higher pressure than R-22
R-454B (Puron Advance) and others:
Next generation refrigerants
Lower global warming potential
Required in new systems starting 2025
Mildly flammable (A2L classification)
Impact on Existing Systems
If You Have an R-22 System:
Continue using until it fails
Repairs increasingly expensive
Refrigerant costs $100-$200+ per pound
Plan for replacement in near future
If You Have an R-410A System:
Continue using normally
No immediate changes needed
Equipment available for years
Service refrigerant remains available
If Buying New Equipment:
Systems manufactured after 2025 use new refrigerants
Current R-410A equipment still available
No need to rush replacement
What This Means for Costs
R-22 Systems:
Refrigerant costs high and rising
Simple recharge can cost $200-$600+
Leak repairs plus refrigerant very expensive
Often makes more sense to replace
New Refrigerants:
Equipment costs may increase slightly
Service costs similar to current
Technicians need additional training
Long-term costs expected to be similar
Should You Replace Now?
Replace If:
You have an R-22 system
System is 15+ years old
Facing expensive R-22-related repairs
Want to take advantage of current incentives
Wait If:
R-410A system working well
System is under 10 years old
No immediate problems
Want to see new technology mature
Safety Considerations
New A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable:
Only under specific conditions
Not like propane or gasoline
Systems designed with safety features
Technicians trained on proper handling
No homeowner safety concerns
Bay Area Implications
California often leads in environmental regulations:
Incentives may favor new refrigerants
Future regulations may accelerate transitions
Early adoption could access better rebates
The refrigerant transition is manageable. Well-maintained systems continue operating, and replacement when needed provides modern, efficient equipment.