The refrigerant in your air conditioner is the substance that actually makes cooling possible — it absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. Over the decades, the refrigerants used in residential HVAC have changed dramatically, driven by environmental regulations and advances in technology. Here's what you need to know.
The Past: R-22 (Freon)
For decades, R-22 — commonly known by the DuPont brand name "Freon" — was the standard refrigerant in residential air conditioners and heat pumps. It was effective, widely available, and the industry knew it well.
The problem: R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), and when released into the atmosphere it depletes the ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol, the United States began phasing out R-22 starting in 2010. Production and importation of R-22 were completely banned in the U.S. as of January 1, 2020.
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010 and still uses R-22, here's what that means for you:
- If your system develops a refrigerant leak, R-22 is now scarce and can cost $50–$100 per pound or more to replace
- Technicians cannot legally recharge a leaking R-22 system without repairing the leak first
- As the remaining stockpiles continue to diminish, prices will continue to rise
If you're in this situation, it's worth having an honest conversation about whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense.
The Present: R-410A (Puron)
R-410A — marketed under the brand name Puron — became the standard residential refrigerant starting in the late 1990s and is found in virtually all HVAC systems installed between roughly 2000 and 2023. It doesn't deplete the ozone layer, it's more energy-efficient than R-22, and it operates at higher pressures (which requires different equipment to service).
The catch: R-410A is a powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential roughly 2,000 times that of CO₂. The EPA is now phasing it out as well.
The Future: R-454B and A2L Refrigerants
The industry is transitioning to a new generation of refrigerants with much lower global warming potential. R-454B (brand name Puron Advance) and R-32 are among the leading candidates to replace R-410A in new residential equipment.
These new refrigerants are classified as A2L — meaning they are mildly flammable. They're safe when handled properly by trained technicians, but they do require updated equipment, handling procedures, and training. Starting in 2025, new residential equipment is being manufactured to use these next-generation refrigerants.
What This Means for You
- If you have an R-22 system: Plan for replacement sooner rather than later. The economics will only get worse over time.
- If you have an R-410A system: You're fine for the foreseeable future. R-410A will remain available for servicing existing equipment for years to come.
- If you're buying a new system: New equipment will use the next-generation refrigerants. This is actually good news — they're more efficient and better for the environment.