What is R-410A?

R-410A, is a chlorine-free, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant originally developed as a more environmentally friendly replacement for R-22. R-410A was developed and patented in 1991 by Honeywell.

Although R-410A has a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) than the R-22 it was replacing, it contained no chlorine which meant it posed no risk to the atmosphere’s ozone layer – the primary concern that spurred its development. As an added benefit, R-410A allowed for significantly higher heat transfer rates than R-22, resulting in more efficient operation.

Because of these benefits, R-410A was officially made the standard refrigerant for residential and commercial air conditioning and heat pump applications in 2010 throughout the United States and Europe. The adoption of R-410A was one of the first major steps made by the U.S. and other like-minded countries toward environmentally-sound refrigerant technology.

As climate research advanced and science developed a better understanding of the effects of refrigerants on the atmosphere, many countries around the world have signed on to progressively tighter regulations regarding the use of residential and commercial refrigerants. Based on these regulations, R-410A is currently being phased out in favor of newer, more environmentally friendly options.   

Why is R-410A being phased out?

Environmental impact

The global community came together in 2015 to sign the Paris Agreement with the intention to mitigate greenhouse gases. Based on R-410A’s Global Warming Potential rating of 2088, which meant it significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, the decision was made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work toward phasing out R-410A in favor of better alternatives.

Regulatory changes

In 2020, as part of the new global agreement to reduce greenhouse gasses, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act gave the EPA the authority to address and regulate the use of HFCs. This resulted in a phasedown schedule that would significantly reduce the use of refrigerants with high GWP by 2036.

The Timeline for R-410A

The EPAs first step was to initiate a phase down of the production of R-410A refrigerant. Gradual reductions began in 2022, with a significant drop planned for this 2024 – with a 40% reduction in the amount of R-410A allowed, whether manufactured or imported into the U.S. This drop will start to drive the price of R-410A up as it becomes harder to find. Based on this, the industry expects the price of R-410A to increase 2-3x over the next several years.

Though homeowners will be permitted to switch out R-410A components* indefinitely, after 2025 installation of complete R-410A systems* will no longer be permitted.

*A component is defined as individual indoor or outdoor unit that acts as a part of a complete system; a system is defined as a combination of components assembled and charged in the field that constitute a complete HVAC installation.     

What will replace R-410A refrigerant?

In response to the new regulations, low-GWP refrigerants have been developed that have similar or better efficiencies and capacities than R-410A. These include R-32 and R-454B, both significant GWP improvements over R-410A Lennox has chosen R-454B as our 2025 Compliant Refrigerant. Along with high efficiency and capacity ratings, R-454B has 78% lower GWP than R-410A.

You can learn more about R-454B and the Lennox transition here.

What will the R-410A phasedown mean for homeowners?

If your current system uses R-410A or R-22 refrigerant, no immediate action is required. The phasedown schedule stretches out to 2036, a timeline that allows homeowners to upgrade or replace equipment at a time that’s convenient to them and based on the life of their system. As most systems have a lifespan of 10-15 years, the majority of homeowners should make the transition naturally within the phasedown timeline.

When the time comes, whether it’s an emergency replacement or a planned upgrade, every homeowner’s situation will look different. Homeowners should discuss their system replacement options with a local dealer or technician to understand which system will best suit their needs.

As the phasedown schedule progresses, our dealers and technicians continue to receive extensive ongoing training and new product education to ensure they can answer your questions and provide the best experience possible. Your local Lennox dealer will be well equipped to help service and advise you as the transition calendar moves forward.

Visit the EPA website for more information on the phase out of R-410A.