Do you know what type of refrigerant your air conditioning system uses?
The answer is probably no. Most people’s concerns around ACs revolve around whether they’re properly cooling, dehumidifying and filtering the air in a home, and at what cost. But it’s important to know that last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA) changed the rules regarding the types of chemicals that can be used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
You likely don’t need to remove your existing systems, but the change could impact your service costs depending on the type of AC you have. Here’s what to know.
What is the 2025 HVAC refrigerant transition?
For years, HVAC systems have contained a type of refrigerant and greenhouse gases called hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs. But the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 directed the EPA to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs because of their high global warming potential (GWP). For the HVAC industry, that means increasingly manufacturing new air conditioners and heat pumps with A2L refrigerants that have lower GWPs, such as R-454B and R-32.
The older type of refrigerant that is being phased down is R-410A, which is still in millions of HVAC systems across the country. The EPA also published a rule this past May formally allowing systems with R-410As to be installed until the existing supply of those HVAC systems run out. The act’s deadline for bringing down HFC usage isn’t until 2036, but many manufacturers are already shifting the refrigerants they use to meet standards.
What to know if your HVAC system uses R-410A
There’s no need to run out and buy a new AC system if your current one uses the R-410A refrigerant. HVAC contractors are still able to service these types of systems.
R-410A refrigerant typically costs between $40 and $75 per pound, according to online marketplace for home services Angi, and you typically don’t need to get more unless you have a leak. If you do find a leak, expect to pay between $100 and $250 per hour for repairs. (It’s not a task you can legally do on your own since handling refrigerants requires EPA certification.)
The costs of fixes to your old system could increase as the supply of R-410A declines over time. It may still make financial sense to stick with your old unit instead of buying a new one, but be prepared for higher costs if you need a repair.
What to know when buying a new AC
If you buy a new AC, you’ll likely get a system with R-454B or R-32. Those refrigerants require equipment that’s designed specifically for them, including updated safety and performance requirements. But that’s not something you necessarily have to worry about when shopping, especially as it’s becoming the new industry standard.
While the transition to new refrigerants likely won’t have an impact on your choice of a new AC, keep in mind that the shift is happening alongside a broader move toward more energy-efficient equipment.
“The technology in these systems is really amazing right now,” says Joey Dooley, a general manager at ARS/Rescue Rooter in Texas. “There are communicating systems, variable-speed systems, variable-speed compressors.”
He adds that in the past, service providers were limited to one or two stages — basically, low or high. That’s no longer the case.
“Now you’ve got systems with much more precise capacity control,” says Dooley, who has 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry. “That means if the house needs less cooling, the system can operate at a lower speed, use less electricity and still keep people comfortable. That’s a really big change.”
How your warranty fits into the transition
New ACs typically come with a warranty in case there’s a system defect after your installation. Those warranties may cover internal breakdowns of certain aspects of the AC and errors that happen when the system is installed, regardless of an industry transition like we’re seeing with refrigerants.
But while you probably don’t have to worry about voided warranties, you should keep in mind that coverage varies depending on your manufacturer and product. It’s always important to check warranty terms, registration requirements, provisions and potential exclusions. Never just assume an issue will be covered.
