HVAC Refrigerant Types Explained
R-22, R-410A, R-32, R-454B — a plain-English guide to what's actually in your AC or heat pump, what changed and why, and what it means if your system needs service.
Quick answer
Most homes in the Fort Worth area run one of four refrigerants, largely determined by when the system was installed: R-22 (before ~2010, no longer produced), R-410A (~2010–2025, still fully serviceable), or R-32/R-454B (2025 and newer, the current standard). They aren't interchangeable, and which one your system uses affects both service options and repair-vs-replace decisions.
Refrigerant Types at a Glance
| Refrigerant | Also Known As | Typically Used In | Status Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-22 | Freon | Systems installed before roughly 2010 | No longer produced or imported in the U.S. (banned since Jan. 1, 2020). Reclaimed supply is now extremely scarce nationwide, many contractors, including us, often can't source it at any price. |
| R-410A | Puron | Most systems installed from roughly 2010 to 2025 | No longer used in newly manufactured equipment (as of Jan. 1, 2025), but fully legal to service existing systems with, no end date. |
| R-32 | — | New equipment (2025 and later) | Current low-GWP standard required in new residential systems. |
| R-454B | Puron Advance | New equipment (2025 and later) | Current low-GWP standard required in new residential systems; mildly flammable (A2L) classification, handled with updated technician protocols. |
Regulatory details current as of Family First Comfort's last review. Rules and enforcement guidance can change; call (817) 935-8540 if you have a specific question about your system.
Proper Refrigerant Handling, and Why We Won't Just "Top Off" a Leak
Federal law (EPA Section 608) prohibits knowingly releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere during service, maintenance, or repair, regardless of system size. That matters for a very practical reason: if your system has a leak and a technician just adds more refrigerant without finding and fixing it, that refrigerant leaks right back out. Recharging a known, unrepaired leak over and over doesn't just waste your money, it runs straight into what the venting prohibition is designed to prevent.
That's why our practice is to diagnose and repair a leak before recharging, not repeatedly top off a system and hope it holds. It also means only EPA-certified technicians handle refrigerant at all, recovery, evacuation, and charging all require certification under Section 608, so this isn't a DIY-safe part of HVAC service even if you're comfortable with other home maintenance.
Why Do Refrigerants Keep Changing?
Refrigerant regulation in the U.S. has moved in two separate waves, for two different environmental reasons. R-22 was phased out because it's an HCFC that depletes the ozone layer, a Montreal Protocol issue. R-410A is now being phased down for new equipment because of its Global Warming Potential (GWP), a measure of how much a refrigerant contributes to warming compared to carbon dioxide, an AIM Act issue.
The EPA's Technology Transitions Rule caps new residential AC and heat pump equipment at a GWP under 700. R-410A doesn't meet that threshold, which is why R-32 and R-454B, both well under it, are now standard on new equipment.
Why Is My AC Blowing Warm or Hot Air?
A refrigerant leak is one common cause, but it's rarely the only possibility. A real diagnosis rules these in or out one at a time:
Refrigerant leak
Low refrigerant from a leak reduces how much heat the system can absorb from your home, and it only gets worse over time until the leak is found and fixed.
Thermostat set to "On" instead of "Auto"
The fan runs constantly between cooling cycles, blowing unconditioned air through the vents even when the system isn't actively cooling.
Dirty air filter
A clogged filter restricts airflow across the indoor coil, which can cause it to freeze and, once it thaws, blow warm air until airflow is restored.
Frozen evaporator coil
Often caused by low refrigerant or restricted airflow. Ice on the coil blocks heat transfer, and the system blows warm air until it fully thaws.
Failing compressor
The compressor is what actually pressurizes and moves refrigerant. If it's failing, the blower can still move air, just without meaningfully cooling it.
Blocked or dirty outdoor unit
The outdoor condenser needs airflow to release heat. Debris, plants, or dirt built up around it can significantly degrade cooling performance.
A refrigerant leak specifically tends to come with other signs beyond warm air: ice forming on the indoor coil or lines, a hissing sound near the refrigerant lines, or steadily declining cooling performance over weeks rather than a sudden change. If that sounds like your system, it's worth a diagnostic visit rather than guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What refrigerant does my HVAC system use?+
It depends mostly on when your system was installed: before roughly 2010 usually means R-22, 2010 to 2025 usually means R-410A, and 2025 or later means R-32 or R-454B. The exact refrigerant is listed on the data plate/nameplate on your outdoor unit, or we can confirm it during a service visit.
What type of refrigerant do I need?+
You don't get to freely choose it. If you're repairing an existing system, it needs the exact refrigerant it was designed for, refrigerants aren't interchangeable. If you're installing new equipment, EPA regulations require R-32 or R-454B in newly manufactured residential systems as of 2025.
Can I switch my system to a different refrigerant?+
No. Refrigerants aren't interchangeable in existing equipment, each system is engineered and charged for a specific refrigerant. Moving to a different refrigerant means installing new, compatible equipment, not just recharging the old system.
Is R-410A being banned?+
Not for use in existing systems. As of January 1, 2025, R-410A is no longer used in newly manufactured residential equipment, but it remains fully legal to produce, sell, and use for servicing systems already in the field, with no scheduled end date.
Why do the new refrigerants (R-32, R-454B) matter?+
EPA's Technology Transitions Rule requires new residential AC and heat pump equipment to use refrigerants with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than R-410A. R-32 and R-454B are the two refrigerants that meet that standard, which is why they're now standard on new equipment.
What if my system still uses R-22?+
R-22 has its own set of rules and a longer regulatory history. See our dedicated R-22 phase-out guide for what it means for your system specifically.
Why won't you just add refrigerant to my system if it's low?+
Low refrigerant almost always means a leak, not normal consumption. Federal law prohibits knowingly releasing refrigerant, and repeatedly recharging a known, unrepaired leak just means the added refrigerant leaks back out. We diagnose and repair the leak first, so a recharge actually holds.
Does a mildly flammable refrigerant (R-454B) mean my new system is unsafe?+
No. The A2L classification reflects mild flammability under specific lab conditions, not a real-world safety concern for homeowners. Technicians working with A2L refrigerants follow updated EPA-mandated handling and installation protocols, and the equipment itself is engineered and certified around that classification.
Related: R-22 phase-out guide · HVAC cost guide · Rebates & tax credits
Not sure what refrigerant your system uses?
We'll check it during a service visit and walk you through your options honestly, repair or replace.
Appointment windows reflect our best estimate and are not a guaranteed arrival time.