What Type of Refrigerant Does My Home’s AC Use?

If you’re someone who relies on air conditioning at home, you may have wondered at some point, “What type of refrigerant does my AC use?” This is a great question, especially as refrigerants are becoming an increasingly important topic due to both their impact on your system’s efficiency and the environment.

With older refrigerants being phased out and newer, more eco-friendly options being introduced, knowing what refrigerant your system uses can help you make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and even future upgrades. HVAC.com breaks down what refrigerant is, how it works in your AC, and walks you through the main types you might come across, along with some important changes to keep in mind

What Is Refrigerant, and How Does it Work in an AC?

Refrigerant is the substance that makes cooling possible in an air conditioning system. In simple terms, it’s a fluid that circulates through your system, absorbing heat from the air inside your home and releasing it outside. Here’s how it works:

1. Evaporation: Inside the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. As it absorbs heat, it turns from a liquid into a gas.
2. Compression: The refrigerant gas is then compressed by the compressor, which increases its temperature and pressure.
3. Condensation: The hot, high-pressure gas is then moved to the condenser coil, where it releases the absorbed heat outside, cooling down and turning back into a liquid.
4. Expansion: The liquid refrigerant moves through an expansion valve, which lowers its pressure and temperature, and the cycle begins again.

The Main Types of Refrigerants: R-22, R-410A, and R-454B

Over the years, there have been significant changes in the types of refrigerants used in air conditioning systems. Let’s break down the three main types and how they’ve evolved.

R-22 (Freon)

• What it is: R-22, also known as Freon, was once the most commonly used refrigerant in home air conditioners. It’s a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that was widely used due to its efficient cooling properties.
• When it started being phased out: While R-22 was effective, it became a major environmental concern because it contributes to ozone depletion. It was primarily used in cooling systems manufactured before 2010. The production of new R-22 refrigerant was banned in 2020, and while it’s still available for servicing existing systems, it is increasingly difficult to find and more expensive.
• Where it stands now: If your system still uses R-22, you’ll need to be mindful that, over time, refrigerant levels may drop as the system ages. Since no new R-22 is being produced, the only R-22 available now is recycled. Homeowners with systems using R-22 should plan for an eventual upgrade to a more modern system using a different refrigerant.

R-410A (Puron)

• What it is: R-410A, also known as Puron, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant that replaced R-22 in new residential systems. Unlike R-22, R-410A does not deplete the ozone layer, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
• When it started being used: R-410A began to be used in residential air conditioning systems in the early 2000s as part of the shift away from R-22. Its popularity grew quickly because it provided better efficiency, higher capacity, and better cooling performance. It became the industry standard by 2010.
• Where it stands now: Although R-410A is not ozone-depleting, it still has a high global warming potential (GWP), which has led to ongoing changes in refrigerant regulations. Starting on January 1, 2025, R-410A will no longer be used in the manufacturing of new residential air conditioning systems. However, R-410A will still be readily available for years to come and will continue to be used for servicing existing systems. As new systems come into play, refrigerants with lower environmental impacts are beginning to take the spotlight, such as R-454B.

R-454B

• What it is: R-454B is a newer refrigerant that has been developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to R-410A. It has a lower GWP, which means it has a smaller impact on global warming compared to its predecessors. R-454B is considered a “mildly flammable” refrigerant, but it is much safer than earlier flammable alternatives.
• When it started being used: R-454B was recently introduced into the market as a replacement for R-410A. Starting in 2025, all new residential air conditioning systems are required to use refrigerants like R-454B due to tighter environmental regulations.
• Where it stands now: While R-454B is not yet in widespread use, it represents the future of residential AC systems. The EPA has mandated that by 2025, all new air conditioners must use low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B or R-32. This shift is part of an ongoing effort to reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems.

What This Means for Homeowners

If your air conditioner uses R-22, it’s important to note that although the refrigerant is still available, it will only be recycled, and replacing it can get pricey. Homeowners with R-22 systems should consider upgrading sooner rather than later, as parts for older systems may also become harder to find and more expensive. Waiting too long could leave you with fewer repair options down the road.

For those with R-410A systems, you’re in a better position for now. R-410A will still be available to service your unit for the foreseeable future, but after 2025, new systems will likely use refrigerants like R-454B or other low-GWP alternatives. If you’re thinking about replacing your system in the near future, it’s a good idea to be aware of these changes and consider opting for a more environmentally friendly refrigerant like R-454B, which will be better for both the planet and your energy bills.