What’s the Difference Between R-22, R-410A & Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants?

Vickie Blakey
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AC Heating Connect Service Tech uses an iPad 6 for important HVAC information

Comparing Refrigerants Side-by-Side

As a homeowner considering an HVAC purchase, it’s important that you understand the difference so you can make the best decision for your system. We’ve outlined below the main differences and why they matter.

R-22

  • Often referred to by a brand name like Freon®
  • As of 2010, R-22 was discontinued for use in new air conditioning systems
  • R-22 is a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) which contributes to ozone depletion

R-410A

  • Often referred to by a brand name like Puron®
  • R-410A will be discontinued in new, residential air conditioners beginning Jan. 1, 2026. New R-410A systems can still be installed through Dec. 31, 2025.
  • R-410A is being phased down and replaced by low GWP refrigerants (A2Ls).

A2L Refrigerants

  • The HFC phasedown is being driven by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which has authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the supply and demand of HFC refrigerants.
  • A2L refrigerants are characterized by mild flammability, low toxicity, and low GWP. They include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends.
  • Low GWP refrigerants, R-32 (675 GWP) and R-454B (466 GWP) for air conditioning, have been introduced.
  • New equipment and systems using low-GWP refrigerants will be introduced in 2024.

What does this mean to homeowners?

During 2024 and 2025, homeowners looking to replace their AC or heat pump (currently using R-410A) or needing a full system replacement can still replace their unit with R-410A systems (based on availability).  More than likely, this will be a lower cost than the new A2L systems.  However, R-410A refrigerant production will continue to be phased down.  There will be a major cut in HFC refrigerant production / import – 40% in 2024 and 70% beginning in 2029 (potentially driving R-410A prices up).  Limited availability of R-410A will impact service costs (units requiring refrigerant) in the future.

If you’re looking for a full system replacement you can request a quote for one of the new A2L systems.  The low global warming potential systems are more environmentally friendly and have a reduced impact on climate change versus previous refrigerants.

As always, consider potential rebates from your utility company or federal tax credits that are available for selecting higher efficiency systems. You can learn more at www.desireusa.org and www.energy.gov/save/rebates.

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436 thoughts on “What’s the Difference Between R-22, R-410A & Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants?”

  2. “R-410A also functions at a higher pressure than R-22, so new compressors are built to withstand greater stresses, reducing the chance for cracking”. I have have to laugh at this statement. It’s like saying a 100-story building has stronger foundation and support so it’s less likely to collapse than a 50 or 20-story building. No, a properly engineered AC compressor for a particular refrigerant should not crack, period.

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  3. R-410a is a terrible refrigerant. It costs more to run than r-22 and also the oil it uses is horribly absorbant of moisture. Just look at your rating amps on the nameplate. 410A uses more amps than 22. You will spend more money and have more problems with 410a systems. Biggest reason. Failures on the installation. Poor install techniques like not running nitrogen through the lines when brazing. Not getting the required 400 microns on pump down. Sizing units totally wrong. not using a txv and installing the wrong piston. Wrong blower motor setup. poor duct design and trying to compensate with oversized AC. the list goes on. R-410a is the worst refrigerant I have come across.

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  4. I would think that using coils designed for R22 operating pressures would not be wise for two reasons. First, R410a has a much higher operating pressure and second, AC coil design attempts to minimize wall thickness to help reduce material costs and improve heat transfer. Using a the lower pressure R22 coils would be inviting failure. Regarding rolling back the phase out of R22 and allowing its exceptional negative impact, might not be a good idea even if it makes a few dozen people happy. The science is solid except to those who are inconvenienced. (An inconvenient truth? Sorry.)

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  5. I had a new unit put in 2 years ago with the 410a Freon and the low side coil going from the A- cool to the condenser never has condensation on the line when it’s hot and humid , is this normal with this new Freon?

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  6. I was wondering if you switch out your condensing unit and A coil from R22 to the new R- 410A refrigerant is it necessary to install all new line
    Sets to make sure that the two refrigerants aren’t commingled?

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  7. That would be great if he did but I don’t think that issue is on his plate and probably never will be. It’s my understand that AC77 is a “drop in” replacement for R22 and that is what I’ll be using if/when I cannot get R22 anymore, or if it’s just outrageously expensive.

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  9. While it might not be recommended. Is there any technical data stating that a r22 evap coil will not work with a 410a condenser?
    Would this cause the electrical pin to out and release Freon?

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  10. while it may not be recommended, is there any data that states that an r22 evap coil will not work with a 410a condenser? Would this cause the electrical connector pin to out and release Freon?

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