The R-410A Phase-Down, Explained for Homeowners
Refrigerant rules changed in 2025 and again in 2026, and a lot of the advice online is out of date. Here is what applies to your home today, with the source for each point.
R-22, R-410A, R-454B and R-32 Compared
| Refrigerant | GWP | Status for homeowners |
|---|---|---|
| R-22 | Not an HFC (ozone-depleting) | Production and import ended January 1, 2020; existing systems can run but recharges rely on limited supply |
| R-410A | 2,088 | Above the 700 limit for new residential systems; existing systems can still be used and repaired |
| R-32 | 675 | A2L refrigerant used in some new systems, including some mini splits |
| R-454B | 465 | A2L refrigerant used by American Standard and as Rheem's primary choice |
How the Rules Changed
2020
R-22 production and import ends (EPA).
January 1, 2025
New residential AC and heat pump systems must use refrigerant under 700 GWP; R-410A equipment can no longer be manufactured or imported for this use.
January 1, 2026 (removed)
An installation deadline for split systems built with pre-2025 R-410A components was set, then removed.
May 21, 2026
EPA finalized a rule letting pre-2025 R-410A inventory be installed until supply runs out (effective July 27, 2026).
Four Things Homeowners Should Know
- Your R-410A system is not illegalEPA says the rules do not limit using existing equipment, and no federal rule requires replacing a working system.
- It can still be repairedTechnicians can keep servicing existing R-410A systems, including major components. HFC supply is expected to lessen over time.
- Home systems are excluded from the leak-repair ruleEPA's 2026 leak repair requirements apply to appliances with 15 pounds or more of HFC refrigerant; residential AC is excluded.
- A2L means mildly flammable, with safeguardsA2L refrigerants are classified as lower toxicity and lower flammability, and are approved with use conditions such as safety standards for equipment design.
Questions to Ask Any Contractor
- Which refrigerant does this system use, and is the indoor coil matched to it?
- Is this new A2L equipment, or remaining R-410A inventory, and what does that mean for future service?
- Does the indoor coil have a refrigerant detection system?
- Will the line set be replaced or flushed for the new refrigerant?
Refrigerant Questions
Do I have to replace my R-410A air conditioner?
No. EPA states there is no federal requirement to replace a working R-410A system, and it can continue to be repaired.
Can a contractor still install an R-410A system in 2026?
Yes, if the equipment was manufactured or imported before 2025. EPA's May 2026 rule lets that inventory be installed until supply runs out.
Is R-454B safe in my home?
R-454B is an A2L refrigerant, meaning lower toxicity and lower flammability. EPA approves it with use conditions, including equipment safety standards.
Not Sure Which Refrigerant You Have?
Text us a photo of the label on your outdoor unit and we will tell you what it means for your system.
Next Steps
AC Replacement
An honest repair-or-replace answer, then a clean change-out when replacement wins.
Learn moreAC Repair
Diagnosis-first repair for AC that is not cooling, leaking, freezing up or tripping the breaker.
Learn moreAC Installation
American Standard and Rheem systems, sized for your home and installed to current code.
Learn moreSources · page reviewed 2026-10-06
- EPA, Residential air conditioning and the phaseout of HCFC-22, read 2026-10-06
- EPA, Technology Transitions final rule fact sheet (May 2026), read 2026-10-06
- EPA, Frequent Questions on the Phasedown of HFCs, read 2026-10-06
- EPA, Technology Transitions GWP reference table, read 2026-10-06
- EPA SNAP, substitutes in residential and light commercial AC and heat pumps, read 2026-10-06
- EPA, ER&R leak repair fact sheet (January 2026), read 2026-10-06
- American Standard, Why are we changing refrigerants?, read 2026-10-06
- Rheem, What to know about the HVAC refrigerant change, read 2026-10-06