Let’s talk about something behind the scenes—but hugely important for your home comfort and your wallet: refrigerants. Big changes are underway in the HVAC world, and they’re worth knowing before your next maintenance visit. (Speaking of, have you scheduled yours yet? Summer’s almost here!)
How to Check What Refrigerant Your System Uses
Before anything else, find out what refrigerant your system uses:
🔍 Look for a label on the outdoor unit (the big metal box outside).
📖 Check your owner’s manual
🌐 Google your model number
🧰 Ask your HVAC technician
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
R-22 = Older systems (pre-2010)
R-410A = Most common in systems from 2010–2024
R-32 or R-454B = Newer systems, especially starting in 2025
Why Are Refrigerants Being Phased Out?
Here’s the bigger picture:
R-22 (Freon) depletes the ozone and has already been banned.
R-410A, while ozone-safe, still has high global warming potential (GWP).
The EPA is now phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like R-410A under the AIM Act.
New refrigerants like R-32, R-454B, and R-1234yf are coming in. They’re better for the environment but may require system updates and safety precautions.
Quick Reference: System Age & Replacement Timing
Not sure when to act? Let your system’s age be your guide:
0–10 years old: Likely uses R-410A. Just stay on top of maintenance.
11–15 years old: Start planning for a replacement. Efficiency dips, repair costs climb.
15+ years old: Time to consider replacement—especially if it uses R-22.
What This Means for Your HVAC System
Depending on the refrigerant in your system:
R-22 systems are expensive to service. The refrigerant is no longer produced and only available through recycling. Time to start budgeting for a new system.
R-410A systems are still fine for now but could see rising costs over time.
Newer systems (post-2025) will likely run on low-GWP refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B—more climate-friendly, but with stricter installation codes and training for technicians.
What Should You Do Right Now?
✅ If your system is still running well and uses R-410A, stay the course—just keep it well maintained.
✅ If it’s over 10–15 years old and uses R-22, replacement should be on your radar.
✅ If you’re shopping for a new system, ask about refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B so you’re ready for the 2025 standards.
Final Thoughts
This refrigerant transition isn’t meant to cause panic—it’s about planning smart. The more you know now, the easier it’ll be to make the right call when it’s time for a repair or upgrade. And again, if nothing else: schedule that maintenance visit before summer hits.
