The HVAC industry is currently transitioning to new refrigerants, leaving many homeowners wondering what this means for their air conditioning systems. If you have heard about R-410A being phased out or new systems using R-454B/ R-32 refrigerant, you are not alone.

Understanding the difference between these refrigerants can help homeowners make better decisions when repairing, servicing, or replacing their HVAC systems.

Background on the R-410A Phaseout

For more than a decade, R-410A refrigerant has been the standard refrigerant used in residential air conditioners and heat pumps throughout the United States. Since around 2010, most newly installed systems have relied on R-410A after the industry moved away from older refrigerants like R-22.

However, environmental regulations are driving another shift.

As of January 1, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce or import new air conditioners or heat pumps designed to use R-410A. This change is part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing down high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

R-410A has a relatively high GWP, typically ranging from 1,890 to 2,100. Because of this, the industry is transitioning to lower-impact alternatives.

Major HVAC manufacturers such as Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Johnson Controls are now adopting R-454B refrigerant in their newest systems. R-454B has a much lower GWP of about 465–466, helping manufacturers meet current environmental regulations.

What This Means for Homeowners with R-410A Systems

If your current air conditioner uses R-410A refrigerant, there is no need to panic. Existing systems are not being banned or forced out of service.

In fact, many homeowners will continue to operate their R-410A systems for years. If the system is running well and does not require major repairs, servicing the unit is often the most cost-effective choice.

R-410A refrigerant also remains widely available through HVAC suppliers, allowing licensed technicians to maintain and recharge systems when necessary. Many HVAC companies will continue servicing R-410A equipment during the industry’s transition to newer refrigerants.

Homeowners who need refrigerant for repairs can still obtain R-410A from reputable suppliers such as Chiller City Refrigerant, ensuring existing systems can continue operating reliably.

Why New Systems Are Switching to R-454B and R-32

For new air conditioner or heat pump installations, R-454B  or R-32 is expected to become the new industry standard.

R-454B offers several important benefits:

• Lower environmental impact due to its significantly reduced GWP
• Cooling performance similar to R-410A
• Compatibility with new high-efficiency HVAC equipment

Many new systems designed around R-454B also offer slightly improved energy efficiency, which can reduce electricity costs over time.

Because of these advantages, manufacturers are rapidly transitioning their product lines to R-454B and other low-GWP refrigerants.

The Bottom Line

The transition from R-410A to R-454B is part of a long-term shift toward environmentally friendly refrigerants.

For most homeowners:

• Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced and maintained
  
  

• R-410A refrigerant remains available
  
  

• New HVAC systems will increasingly use R-454B
  
  

Understanding these changes can help homeowners make informed decisions about their air conditioning systems while the industry continues evolving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R-410A banned in the United States?

No. Existing systems can still use R-410A and technicians can continue servicing them. The restriction applies to new HVAC equipment manufactured after January 1, 2025.

Can R-454B be used in an R-410A system?

No. HVAC systems are specifically designed for the refrigerant they use. R-454B cannot simply be added to an existing R-410A system.

Will R-410A refrigerant become expensive?

Prices may fluctuate as production decreases over time, but R-410A is still widely available at an affordable price through HVAC suppliers like Chiller City Refrigerants.

Buy R-410a, R-454b, and R-32 available here at Chiller City