A Guide to New HVAC Refrigerants 2025: The R-410A Phaseout

Refrigerants have been indispensable in the HVAC industry for many years because of their remarkable ability to control indoor temperatures. These chemical compounds undergo a continuous cycle of compression, expansion and evaporation, absorbing heat from indoor air and releasing it outdoors.

Air conditioner and heat pump manufacturers have used a refrigerant called R-410A for decades to optimize cooling performance and comply with evolving environmental regulations. However, it is being phased out in 2025 in favor of newer chemical compounds with lower global warming potential.

As the best HVAC Company in Napoleon, OH, Von Deylen Plumbing & Heating, Inc., keeps our customers informed about cutting-edge innovations within our areas of expertise. We’ve published this blog post to help you understand and anticipate the changes ahead.

Why Is the HVAC Industry Phasing Out R-410A?

R-410A became the industry standard due to its impressive cooling efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to older refrigerants, like R-22 (also known as Freon). It offers better thermodynamic properties, allowing HVAC systems to operate more efficiently while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, R-410A doesn’t contain ozone-depleting chemicals — a critical factor in its widespread adoption following the 2010 phaseout of R-22 due to environmental concerns.

R-410A has delivered reliable cooling to countless homes and businesses for nearly two decades. However, faced by the pressing need to address climate change, HVAC manufacturers have embraced new refrigerant options offering improved efficiency and lower global warming potential.

What Is Replacing R-410A?

As of January 1, 2023, the U.S. HVAC industry began phasing out R-410A in favor of more environmentally friendly refrigerants. The two primary replacements are R-32 and R-454B. These refrigerants are more sustainable choices because they have a fraction of the global warming potential (GWP). For example, R-32’s GWP is 675 and R-454B’s GWP is 466, compared to R-410A’s GWP of 2,088.

These R-410A alternatives minimize energy consumption while maintaining high performance, which makes them highly efficient choices.

R-410A Replacement: What Do I Need to Do?

Manufacturers have stopped producing new air conditioners and heat pumps that use R-410A, and by January 1, 2026, R-410A will no longer be available for use in new equipment. While R-32 and R-454B will reduce the environmental impact of cooling your home, they are incompatible with older R-410A systems, and no retrofits are available. While you can keep having your old air conditioner or heat pump serviced, the costs to do so may increase, as R-410A will become harder to find over time.

R-410A’s progressive unavailability means now is the perfect time to start planning for a cooling system upgrade. Switching to eco-friendly air conditioning equipment designed to use R-32 or R-454B refrigerants will reduce your energy bills over time. Upgrade your system today to get ahead of the curve while you enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge HVAC technology.

Do you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with an outdated air conditioner or heat pump? Call us at Von Deylen Plumbing & Heating, Inc., when you’re ready to invest in long-term savings and reliability. Our NATE-certified technicians will deliver improved performance, reduced environmental impact and peace of mind.