HVAC Refrigerants in 2025: R-22, R-410A, and What Is Next

The refrigerant in your AC system determines how it can be serviced and what its long-term costs look like. Here is what every Georgia homeowner needs to know in 2025.

R-22 Legacy Refrigerant

Production and import of R-22 was banned as of January 2020. It can still be used in existing systems from reclaimed supplies, but prices have skyrocketed — often $100 to $200 per pound.

R-410A Current Standard

R-410A replaced R-22 for most residential systems from roughly 2010 through 2024. Systems from this era will remain serviceable for years from existing supplies.

New Refrigerants Starting 2025

EPA regulations are phasing down R-410A. New equipment is transitioning to lower global warming potential refrigerants, primarily R-454B and R-32. New systems installed today are future-compliant.

What This Means for You

R-22 system needing a recharge: seriously evaluate replacement. R-410A system: no immediate action required. Buying a new system: it will use new refrigerants and be future-compliant.

Can You Convert an R-22 System

R-22 systems cannot be converted to R-410A — they operate at different pressures. The cleanest path for aging R-22 systems is full system replacement.