What Refrigerant Modification Means for Your Next AC Repair, Replacement or Warranty Claim
Do you know what type of refrigerant your air conditioning system uses?
The answer is probably no. Many people’s concerns about ACs are whether they effectively cool, dehumidify and filter the air in the house, and at what cost. But it is important to know that last year, the US 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 probably don’t need to remove your existing systems, but the change can affect your service costs depending on the type of AC you have. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the HVAC refrigeration revolution of 2025?
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 reduce the production and use of HFCs because of their high global warming potential (GWP). In the HVAC industry, that increasingly means producing new air conditioners and heat pumps with A2L refrigerants that have lower GWPs, such as R-454B and R-32.
The oldest type of refrigerant to be decommissioned is R-410A, which is still in millions of HVAC systems across the country. EPA also published a to rule last May officially allowing systems with R-410As to be installed until the existing supply of those HVAC systems runs out. The deadline for action to reduce HFC use is not yet 2036, but many manufacturers are already changing the refrigerants they use to meet the standards.
What you need to know if your HVAC system uses R-410A
There is no need to run out and buy a new AC system if your current one uses R-410A refrigerant. HVAC contractors can still service these types of systems.
R-410A refrigerant typically costs between $40 and $75 per pound, according to online home services marketplace Angi, and you usually don’t need to get more unless you have a leak. If you find a leak, expect to pay between $100 and $250 an hour for repairs. (It’s not a job you can legally do on your own since handling refrigerators requires EPA certification.)
The cost of repairing your old system can increase as the supply of R-410A decreases over time. It may make financial sense to stick with your old unit instead of buying a new one, but be prepared for higher costs if you need repairs.
What you should know when buying a new AC
If you’re buying a new AC, you’ll likely get a system with R-454B or R-32. Those refrigerators require equipment designed specifically for them, including updated safety and performance requirements. But that’s not something you should worry about when shopping, especially since it’s becoming the new industry standard.
While switching to new refrigerators probably won’t affect your choice of a new AC, keep in mind that the transition is happening alongside a broader movement toward more energy-efficient appliances.
“The technology in these systems is really amazing right now,” said Joey Dooley, general manager at ARS/Rescue Rooter in Texas. “There are contact systems, variable-speed systems, variable compressors.”
He adds that in the past, service providers were limited to one or two categories – basically, low or high. That’s not the case anymore.
“Now you have systems with very precise volume control,” said Dooley, who has 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry. “That means if the house needs to cool less, the system can run at a lower speed, use less electricity and keep people more comfortable. It’s a really big change.”
How does your warranty fit into the conversion
New ACs usually come with a warranty in case of a system malfunction after your installation. Those warranties may cover internal breakdowns of certain AC components and faults that occur when the system is installed, regardless of the industry revolution as we see it with refrigerators.
But while you shouldn’t worry about void warranties, you should remember that coverage varies depending on your manufacturer and product. It is always important to check the warranty terms, registration requirements, provisions and possible exclusions. Never assume that the issue will be resolved.
