The R-410A refrigerant change, for homeowners

What the rule says

Under the AIM Act Technology Transitions rule, EPA set a global warming potential (GWP) limit of 700 for new residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems, with a compliance date of January 1, 2025. EPA's FAQ notes that R-32 is below that limit. It names R-454B, along with R-32, as mildly flammable refrigerants that may only be used in equipment designed for them.

The rule has already changed once. An earlier version would have stopped installation of new R-410A systems on January 1, 2026, even if their parts were made before 2025. EPA's reconsideration rule of May 26, 2026 removed that deadline for systems whose components were all manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025, according to EPA's sector table (updated August 28, 2026). Some EPA pages still describe the older deadline.

If you have an R-410A system

• EPA says you can keep using and repairing it.
• A failed condensing unit, indoor coil or smaller part can be replaced with a similar R-410A part, according to EPA's FAQ. Components used to repair existing systems aren't covered by the restrictions.
• R-410A parts made after January 1, 2025 must be labeled for servicing existing equipment only.

The data plate on the outdoor unit names the refrigerant. A much older system may still use R-22, which Fixr lists at $50 to $80 a pound against $12 to $25 for R-410A, so recharging one costs more.

If you are replacing the system

A new system will usually use one of the new refrigerants, and its outdoor unit and indoor coil have to match. Swapping only the outdoor unit onto an old R-410A coil isn't the same as a matched new system. Ask the contractor which refrigerant the quoted equipment uses and whether the coil is being replaced too. Replacement costs.

The SEER2 minimums didn't change with the refrigerant: split-system air conditioners under 45,000 Btu/h installed in Arizona since 2023 must be at least 14.3 SEER2.