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

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

  1. Pingback: 8 Brilliant Tips What To Do With Old Air Conditioners | Ecotero

  2. Pingback: Can I use R-22 in a R410A system? - Zero-Meaning

  3. Pingback: Which Is Better R22 Or R410A? – Erickkasysavane

  4. Just had to change out my entire HVAC System ( boo-hiss) $BIG MONEY$
    I’m in NE Florida and it’s late Summer, which slowly progresses to fall temps after Nov 1st.

    My previous system was a Trane R22
    Now it’s a Carrier R410A

    Like night and day!
    It is definitely a different operation as far as cooling. Haven’t experienced the heating side yet. Hoping it’s going to work better than the cooling side!

    IMHO and experience, the R22 is superior in cooling and dehumidifying my space, than the R410A is by far.

    Wish I had know about the AC77, which was never once mentioned by any of the many companies I spoke to about bidding the job.

    Like every other single thing is these current a-skewed days…. The HVAC Game is a Criminal Racket, and the consumer gets the dirty end of the shaft!

    When you youngsters wake up in a few years, and find yourselves now living in a third world economy… don’t be surprised!

  5. I’m sorry to see what $cience has become as well as what’s become of your generation. When the old farts do disappear and there’s no one left pushing back on these psychopathic politicians it won’t be you paying the full price for your ignorance, apathy and lack of critical thinking skills, it will be your children. Your generation is too ignorant to realize how ignorant they are. Covid, climate change, racism, Obamacare, universal basic income, all of these democrat policies and positions have one thing in common and that’s controlling the feeble minded masses. If the show we’ve been living in for the past 8 months hasn’t woken you up yet there’s little hope that you ever will wake up.

  6. Kevin, I’m sorry to hear you don’t believe in science. I’m guessing you think Covid is a hoax as well. The environment will be much better off when old farts like you disappear.

  7. Pingback: What Are The Most Common Type of HVAC Systems? - HVAC BOSS

  8. I personally know of people in Arizona who have Puron systems and they need it serviced twice each year due to its high head pressure. They have the A/C guy remove some Puron in the spring and in the fall they have him put more back in. AC77 has nearly the same properties as R22 with the exception of non-depletion of the ozone layer. Personally, I don’t buy the “it made a hole in the ozone” stuff, but whatever… Many claims have been made that Puron is more efficient than Freon, not the case at all at higher temps when you really need good cooling.

  9. My house in MN has a heat. It uses r410 which is a prone. Zero issue a don’t contribute to depleting the ozone.

  10. Oh no! I am so sorry to hear that about your R22 system dying. I have a 42 (yes 42) year old Whirlpool “green wedge” A/C system here in our home in Florida and when it needs major service (hasn’t in the 21 years we’ve been here) I will replace it with a system that uses AC77 which is a coolant that nearly matches R22. Puron is garbage, I’ve heard a lot of people having problems with it due to its high head pressure and I won’t ever have a system that uses it.

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