2025 R-410A Phase-Out

The R-410A refrigerant phase-out took effect on January 1, 2025. New residential HVAC equipment manufactured for the U.S. since then uses lower-Global-Warming-Potential alternatives, primarily R-32 and R-454B. For southern New Hampshire homeowners with existing R-410A systems, the equipment continues to work and can still be serviced, but the refrigerant itself is increasingly expensive and new installations use the replacements.

Here is what the change means for NH HVAC owners in practical terms.

Why R-410A is being phased out

R-410A has been the standard residential refrigerant since the early 2000s, when it replaced R-22 (which was itself phased out by 2020 because of ozone-layer impact). R-410A does not deplete the ozone layer, but it has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of roughly 2,088, meaning every kilogram released to the atmosphere has the same warming effect as 2,088 kg of CO2 over a 100-year period.

Under the AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, 2020) and the international Kigali Amendment, the EPA established a phase-down schedule for high-GWP refrigerants used in new equipment. R-410A's restriction in new residential AC and heat pumps took effect January 1, 2025.

What the R-410A phase-out actually means

For existing R-410A systems:

Your equipment continues to operate normally
Service is still available; R-410A is still legal to handle for service
R-410A supply for service continues, drawn from existing stockpiles and reclaimed refrigerant
Refrigerant prices for service have risen and will continue to rise as production restrictions tighten
Major leak repairs on older R-410A systems may tip the math toward replacement rather than recharge

For new installations:

Equipment manufactured for sale in the U.S. uses R-32 or R-454B (depending on brand)
R-410A inventory at distributors and contractors has been winding down throughout 2024 and 2025
New installations are not interchangeable with old equipment: R-410A and the new refrigerants use different equipment, different pressures, different line set requirements

R-32: the most common replacement

R-32 (difluoromethane) has been widely used in Asia and Europe for over a decade. It is a single-component refrigerant rather than a blend, which simplifies service.

GWP: 675, roughly one-third that of R-410A
Energy efficiency: systems using R-32 are often slightly more efficient than equivalent R-410A systems
Classification: A2L (mildly flammable, low toxicity). Calls for a few extra safety precautions but is well-understood worldwide.
Adopted by: Daikin, Fujitsu, LG, and several other major manufacturers for their North American product lines

R-454B: the other common replacement

R-454B is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf. Its lower GWP comes from the addition of R-1234yf, which has a GWP under 1.

GWP: 466, about one-fifth of R-410A
Energy efficiency: similar to R-32 and slightly better than R-410A
Classification: A2L (mildly flammable, low toxicity)
Adopted by: Bosch, Trane, Carrier, and several other major manufacturers for North American residential product lines

What A2L mildly flammable means

Both R-32 and R-454B are classified as A2L, the "mildly flammable" category. This is a real classification with practical implications, but it is not the same as flammable propane or natural gas. A2L refrigerants:

Have a very low burning velocity (the flame propagates slowly)
Require concentrations above roughly 14 percent of the surrounding air to ignite
Require modest additional safety features in equipment design (leak detection sensors, mitigation valves)
Require training and proper recovery equipment for technicians servicing them

Modern A2L equipment includes built-in leak detection that shuts down the system if refrigerant concentration approaches the flammability threshold. In practical terms, the safety record is excellent.

What this means when you replace your AC or heat pump

You will get a new refrigerant

Equipment manufactured since January 1, 2025 uses R-32 or R-454B; some remaining pre-2025 R-410A inventory can still legally be installed while supplies last. The specific refrigerant depends on the brand.

Slightly higher equipment cost

The new equipment designs include additional safety features and use a different refrigerant; pricing has increased modestly relative to the total installed cost.

Trained technicians required

Service of A2L equipment requires technicians trained on A2L procedures and properly equipped (leak detectors, recovery equipment, hose set rated for A2L). Reputable installers have completed this training.

Same level of cooling performance

Cooling capacity and efficiency are similar to or slightly better than equivalent R-410A equipment. Some manufacturers have achieved meaningful efficiency improvements with the new refrigerants.

What if my system fails or leaks heavily?

If a major R-410A system component fails (compressor, indoor coil, large refrigerant leak) on an older system, the replace-vs-repair math has shifted. Recharge of a leaked R-410A system is increasingly expensive, and replacement parts for some older units are getting harder to source. For systems past 10 to 12 years old, replacement is more often the right answer than repair.

Schedule a consultation

If your R-410A system is showing problems, or you are considering a replacement and want to understand what the new refrigerants mean for your installation, contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating. Serving New Hampshire families since 1928.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the R-410A phase-out start?

January 1, 2025. New residential AC and heat pump equipment manufactured for U.S. sale since then uses R-32 or R-454B.

Do I have to replace my R-410A system?

No. Existing R-410A systems continue to operate normally and can still be serviced. Replacement makes sense when the system reaches end of life or has a major failure that would require expensive refrigerant recharge.

Will R-410A still be available for service?

Yes, for the foreseeable future, drawn from existing stockpiles and reclaimed refrigerant. Prices have risen and will continue to rise as supply tightens.

Is R-32 or R-454B safe?

Yes. Both are classified A2L (mildly flammable), which calls for some added safety features in equipment design and trained technicians for service. The safety record in equipment using these refrigerants is excellent.

Which refrigerant is better, R-32 or R-454B?

Both are excellent low-GWP replacements with similar performance. The choice depends on the equipment brand (Daikin, Fujitsu, LG generally use R-32; Bosch, Trane, Carrier generally use R-454B). For a homeowner, either is a sound choice.