Refrigerant gas is used by your air conditioner or heat pump to cycle thermal energy through your air conditioner. R-410A was the industry standard refrigerant in America for the last 15 years, but it’s now being phased out for R-32 and R-454B. While this won’t affect your current air conditioner, it’s important to know if you’re planning a new AC installation in Suffolk County.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new HVAC refrigerant regulations.
Key Takeaways
- R-410A is being phased out. Air conditioners manufactured from 2025 onwards use R-32 or R454B gas.
- The new refrigerants are more environmentally friendly and slightly more energy efficient.
- Base unit prices may increase due to new sensor requirements and safety designs in the latest HVAC models.
Why is the Older HVAC Refrigerant Being Phased Out?
R-410A gas is being phased out because it is a major contributor to climate change. It has an atmospheric warming potential around 4x that of newer refrigerants.
If your current air conditioner was installed between 2010 and 2025, there’s a high chance that it uses R-410A gas. This non-toxic and non-flammable gas was the preferred option before the EPA’s new manufacturing restrictions were enacted.
How Does R-410A Compare to Newer R-32 and R-454B Refrigerants?
R-410A underperforms new gases when looking at environmental impact and efficiency.
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Comparison of Refrigerant Gases |
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R-410A (Older Gas) |
R-32 (Best for Mini-Splits) |
R-454B (Best for Centra Air) |
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High Global Warming Potential |
68% Lower Global Warming Potential |
78% Lower Global Warming Potential |
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Safe, non-flammable, low toxicity. |
Safe, mildly-flammable, low toxicity. |
Safe, mildly-flammable, low toxicity. |
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Baseline efficiency. Common in air conditioners from 2010 to 2025. |
5% to 12% more energy efficiency than R-410A |
Around 4% more efficient than R-410A |
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Fully phased out, but available for servicing older units. |
Newly introduced in mini-split heat pumps and air conditioners. |
Newly introduced in central systems, including Trane® and Lennox® air conditioners and heat pumps. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Replace My Existing Air Conditioner That Uses R-410A?
No, you do not need to book a new AC installation to immediately replace an air conditioner with R-410A. If the system is in good condition and working, you can continue to use it.
When your system reaches its end of life (usually around 10 – 15 years for older models), your replacement AC installation will use either R454-B or R-32, depending on the model and design.
In some cases, a newly-installed system may use R-410A. Manufacturers and dealers can still sell existing inventory to reduce waste.
Can I Still Get Service and Repairs for an Air Conditioner with R-410A?
Yes, your HVAC contractor in Suffolk County can fully service and repair any air conditioner that uses R-410A gas. While refrigerant supplies will decline, this is expected to occur as older systems naturally reach the end of their useful life-cycles.
If you installed a new air conditioner in 2024/2025 with R-410A, you can continue to run and maintain it without concerns.
Book HVAC Service With Your Local HVAC Contractor in Suffolk County
Soundview HVAC is your trusted HVAC contractor in Suffolk County. No matter what type of air conditioner or heat pump you have, we can provide tune-ups, repairs, and general maintenance to keep your home comfortable.
Call us for support and HVAC service at 631-209-1744.
