The Refrigerant Phase-Out: What’s Actually Happening

The EPA’s AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act) mandates a phasedown of HFC refrigerants based on their Global Warming Potential (GWP). R-410A has a GWP of 2,088 — 2,088 times more heat-trapping than CO₂. The phase-out timeline:

• Jan 1, 2025: R-410A prohibited in new residential AC/heat pump manufacturing
• Jan 1, 2025: All new residential AC must use refrigerant with GWP ≤ 750
• Existing systems: Can continue using R-410A indefinitely — no mandatory retrofit
• Reclaimed R-410A: Will remain available for servicing existing equipment for years

Refrigerant Comparison: R-410A vs R-32 vs R-454B

How This Affects Your Current LA Home System

If your AC uses R-410A (installed before 2025):

• Your system continues to operate normally — no action required
• Recharging is still legal using reclaimed R-410A
• Recharge costs have increased: expect $80–$150/lb (up from $25–$50)
• If you have a major refrigerant leak, repair costs are higher now
• If your system is 12+ years old and needs a recharge, replacement is usually better financially

If you’re buying a new system in 2025+:

• All new systems use R-32 or R-454B
• Choose Daikin/Mitsubishi/LG for R-32 systems
• Choose Carrier/Trane/Lennox/Goodman/Rheem for R-454B systems
• Both are excellent choices — refrigerant type shouldn’t drive your brand decision
• Ensure your contractor is A2L certified (required for R-32 and R-454B service)

What to Ask Your HVAC Contractor

• What refrigerant does this new system use?
• Are your technicians A2L certified to service R-32/R-454B?
• What are your current R-410A recharge rates if I keep my existing system?
• If I need a recharge, is the leak repaired first? (Recharging without finding the leak is illegal)
• Does the new system’s refrigerant affect warranty coverage?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R-410A being phased out?

Yes. The EPA’s AIM Act is phasing out high-GWP refrigerants. R-410A (GWP of 2,088) cannot be used in new residential AC equipment manufactured after January 1, 2025. Existing R-410A systems can continue operating and be recharged with reclaimed R-410A, but new equipment must use lower-GWP alternatives.

What refrigerant replaces R-410A in new equipment?

Most major manufacturers have switched to R-32 (GWP of 675, used by Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG) or R-454B (GWP of 466, branded as Puron Advance, used by Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman). Both are lower-GWP alternatives that also offer slightly better efficiency than R-410A.

Can I still get my R-410A system recharged?

Yes. Existing R-410A systems can be recharged with reclaimed/recycled R-410A indefinitely. The phase-out only prohibits manufacturing new R-410A refrigerant and using it in new equipment. Recharge costs have increased due to reduced supply — expect to pay $80–$150/lb vs $25–$50/lb a few years ago.

Is R-32 refrigerant safe for homeowners?

R-32 is mildly flammable (A2L classification) but is very safe in practice. The concentration needed to ignite is much higher than any leak in a home would produce. Daikin, Mitsubishi, and LG have been using R-32 safely in millions of units worldwide since 2012. Your technician needs A2L certification to service it.

Should I replace my R-410A system because of the phase-out?

Not necessarily — not yet. If your R-410A system is running well and under 10 years old, keep it. If it needs a major repair or is 12+ years old, replacement with new R-32 or R-454B equipment makes more financial sense. Recharge costs will rise, but R-410A will be available for existing systems for many years.