Refrigerant Rundown: What Homeowners Need to Know About AC Coolants, New Mandates, and What's Changing in 2025
If you're a homeowner shopping for a new HVAC system—or just trying to understand the lingo your technician is using—you've likely heard terms like R-22, R-410A, R-32, and now R-454B. These refrigerants are the lifeblood of your air conditioning system, and there's been a big shift in what's allowed, what's efficient, and what's best for your home and the environment.
Here's your homeowner-friendly guide to refrigerant types, what's being phased out, what's replacing it, and how it affects cost, availability, and performance.
What Is Refrigerant, Exactly?
Refrigerant is the chemical compound that absorbs and releases heat in your HVAC system. It cycles through your air conditioner, pulling heat out of your indoor air and dumping it outside—leaving your home cool and comfortable.
Not all refrigerants are the same, and due to their environmental impact, many older types are now being phased out.
Types of Refrigerants & Their Status
🧊 R-22 (Freon) - Outdated and Outlawed
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Status: Phased out completely as of 2020
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Availability: Extremely limited, recycled only
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Cost: $$$$ (very expensive due to scarcity)
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Impact: High ozone depletion potential (ODP) and banned from production/import in the U.S.
If your system still uses R-22, it's likely 15+ years old, and repairs requiring refrigerant recharge can cost $300-$1,000+—making replacement the smarter move.
❄️ R-410A (Puron) - Current Standard but Being Phased Down
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Status: Still widely used but phasing out starting in 2025
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Availability: Currently available and more affordable
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Cost: $$ (but may rise as phase-out begins)
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Impact: No ozone depletion but a high global warming potential (GWP)
R-410A is found in most systems installed from 2010-2023. Due to its high GWP, the EPA is mandating a phase-down starting January 1, 2025 under the AIM Act.
💨 R-32 - The Future of Cooling
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Status: One of the main replacements for R-410A
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Availability: Growing and widely adopted by leading manufacturers
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Cost: $$ (affordable and expected to stabilize)
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Impact: Low GWP and no ozone depletion
R-32 is more efficient, requires less refrigerant per system, and aligns with climate goals. Many major brands are already shipping new units with R-32 as their primary refrigerant.
🔥 R-454B - The Alternative Challenger
While R-32 is the most popular choice, some manufacturers are adopting R-454B as an alternative low-GWP refrigerant. It's chemically different, with a slightly lower GWP than R-32 and similar operating pressures to R-410A, making it easier for technicians to work with.
However, R-454B comes with some real challenges:
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Availability: Limited at the moment. Very few units on the residential market are designed for R-454B, especially in the North Metro Atlanta area.
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Cost: $$$ - Higher than R-32 due to low supply and limited production. Expect to pay more for both the refrigerant and compatible equipment.
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Flammability: Like R-32, it is classified as mildly flammable (A2L), which requires proper handling.
R-454B may become more common over time, but for now, homeowners in Marietta, Woodstock, Acworth, and Kennesaw are seeing higher upfront costs and longer lead times when choosing systems that use it.
How This Affects You as a Homeowner
If you live in North Metro Atlanta, this refrigerant transition is key when choosing to repair or replace your AC system:
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Still using R-22? It's time to replace.
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Have an R-410A unit? Repairs are fine for now, but prices will rise.
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Considering a new system? Choose one using R-32 for cost efficiency, availability, and long-term viability—unless you have a brand-specific reason to go with R-454B.
Benefits of Upgrading to an R-32 System
✅ Lower Energy Bills
✅ Eco-Friendly
✅ Future-Proof
✅ More Widely Available
R-32 systems offer better efficiency, lower environmental impact, and are already supported by most HVAC brands.
Get Expert Help From Guardian Home Experts
At Guardian Home Experts, we stay ahead of refrigerant changes so you don't have to. We help homeowners in Woodstock, Kennesaw, Marietta, and Acworth choose HVAC systems that meet today's regulations and tomorrow's standards.
We offer:
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Free replacement estimates
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R-32-compatible systems
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Expert answers on refrigerant transitions
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Same-day service and installation
Confused by coolants? Let us clear the air.
Call Guardian today or schedule here to explore your options and make the smart choice for your home and budget.
