What Is Happening to R410A Refrigerant?

R410A has been the main refrigerant in HVAC systems for decades now, but its high global warming potential (GWP) is leading governments to take action.

Along with most other developed nations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a gradual phase-out of R410A that will take place in stages over the coming years.

Understanding the R410A refrigerant phase-out will be important for making smart decisions about your home air conditioning system in the future. Here's everything you need to know now.

What Is R410A Refrigerant?

R410A is the current standard refrigerant in residential air conditioning systems, and it has been since it replaced the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) R22 in 2005.

R410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) made from equal parts difluoromethane (CH2F2) and pentafluoroethane (CHF2CF3). This mixture does not release chlorine when heated like R22 does, which gives it a lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero.

It's been the industry standard for nearly two decades now, though it does have drawbacks which have resulted in the initiatives to discontinue its use, import and production. Now, R410A is an HFC that will become a thing of the past like R22.

Why Is the Government Phasing out R410A?

The R410A refrigerant phase-out is part of a larger initiative to stop using all HFCs with a high global warming potential (GWP). To reduce the environmental impact of residential HVAC equipment, governments worldwide are shifting toward nontoxic, low-GWP refrigerants.

Although R410A has a lower ODP than R22, it has a higher GWP. Its high efficiency minimizes the potential amount of emissions it could release, making it more environmentally friendly overall. However, low-GWP HFCs and other, greener refrigerants are taking over as the safer alternatives — and they will be for some time.

How Long Will the Phase-Out Take?

Because R410A is so widely used, it will take a long time for the country and the HVAC industry to adjust to the change. Here's what the projected timeline for the phase-out looks like:

• 2020: The initial changes regarding production and importation of high-GWP refrigerants like R410A took effect.
• 2024: R410A becomes less available as manufacturers continue to reduce production.
• 2025: A new refrigerant called R454B is expected to replace R410A as the new industry standard.
• 2030: Most developed countries aim to completely phase out R410A use in new systems by this decade.
• 2040: Complete bans on R410A in existing systems will come into effect in most locations. The transition will likely take longer in some regions than in others, so 2040 is a rough estimate.

In the EPA's plan, manufacturers will reduce high-GWP HFC usage and production in increments through an extended phase-down period. The phase-down began in 2022 and will expand gradually over 14 years:

• 2022: 10%
• 2024: 40%
• 2029: 70%
• 2034: 80%
• 2036: 85%

Are There Alternatives to R410A?

Yes, there are refrigerants you can use in place of R410A. Some upcoming R410A refrigerant replacements include:

• R454B: This low-GWP refrigerant contains an HCF (R32) and R1234YF, an environmentally friendly hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO).
• R32: R32 is an HFC with a lower GWP than R410A, so it will remain in use throughout the phase-out. Also known as difluoromethane, R32 is a component in many other refrigerants, including R410A and R454B.
• RS-53 (R470A): RS-53 is a new nonflammable drop-in replacement for R410A. Since it has a low GWP, it should keep your R410A system running well into the future.

How Will the Phase-Out Affect Homeowners?

The impact on homeowners is simple to understand. You'll have to replace your R410A system eventually, though you likely still have time before it is discontinued.

Remember that R410A will gradually become harder to find, increasing its price and making maintaining your existing system substantially more costly every year.

What Can You Do to Prepare?

As a homeowner, what can you do to get ready for the upcoming changes? Here are four steps you can take to prepare your HVAC system for the phase-out's final stages.

1. Educate Yourself

Get familiar with all the R410A alternatives that will be available to you as R410A becomes less available. The more you know, the easier it'll be to choose a suitable R410A refrigerant replacement. Plus, you'll be better able to plan the best time to replace your existing HVAC unit, which can help you save on replacement costs and valuable setup time.

2. Talk to the Pros

Another great way to gather information is to get input from experienced HVAC professionals. If you have a technician you usually call on for maintenance and repairs, it might be worth reaching out and asking a few questions to hear what they have to say about your situation.

You can also browse HVAC industry forums and similar resources to see what experts are saying about the change and why it matters. Bottom line — when in doubt, ask an HVAC expert.

Contact our support team for immediate assistance and answers to those pressing HVAC questions.

3. Evaluate What You Already Have

Unless you're dealing with an AC that's already on its way out, your best bet for making a smooth transition is to squeeze as much use as possible out of your existing equipment.

Some important assessment considerations include the unit's age, performance reductions and rising operating costs.

Depending on the type of air conditioner you own, you might be able to retrofit it to accommodate newer, more eco-friendly refrigerants or make repairs that reduce its environmental impact.

4. Plan and Budget for Upcoming Changes

An HVAC system is a big investment, and as technology changes, prices are likely to change dramatically. When the first generation of low-GWP systems hits the market, they're going to be expensive compared to older options.

Fortunately, they won't be too expensive for long. Although these new refrigerants will be costly for the first few years, prices will likely go down as they become more widely available.

How Do You Know You Can Trust Us?

HVAC systems are a big investment, so you want to make sure the advice you get online will help you avoid overspending on things you don't need. But we all know how hard it is to find reliable sources in this day and age.

That's a gap we aim to fill. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we're confident that we know what we're talking about. Our diverse team of experts brings a unique set of knowledge and expertise to our business that we tap into to provide the most valuable information possible.

Ultimately, you can trust us because we're committed to ensuring our customers get the tools they need to solve whatever HVAC problems come their way.

Prepare Your Home for the R410A Phase-Out With Help From Ingrams Water & Air

We understand if you're uncertain about what you might face in the coming years. But we're also here to reassure you that you can handle this transition with the right information.

At Ingrams Water & Air, we're committed to providing our customers with the highest-quality and most affordable HVAC equipment. Plus, since we do our business online, it's quick and convenient — no need to go out of your way to visit showrooms and home improvement stores. We also carry various replacement parts and accessories for anyone looking to extend the life of their R410A system for just a little longer.