R-22, R-410A and the New Refrigerants: What NJ Homeowners Need to Know

Refrigerant is the fluid that carries heat out of your home in summer, and into it in winter if you have a heat pump. Most homeowners never think about it until a technician says "you're low on refrigerant" or "your system uses R-22." Then suddenly it matters a lot, because the type of refrigerant affects repair costs, replacement timing and what equipment can be installed.

Here's a plain-English guide to the refrigerant changes of the past few years and what they mean for homes in New Jersey.

Why refrigerants keep changing

Refrigerants are regulated for their environmental impact:

• Ozone depletion: Older refrigerants like R-22 damage the ozone layer. They were phased out under the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol.
• Global warming potential (GWP): R-410A doesn't harm the ozone layer, but it is a potent greenhouse gas. The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 directs the EPA to phase down these high-GWP refrigerants (HFCs).

Each change affects the equipment that can be manufactured and installed.

R-22 (Freon): phased out

R-22, often called by the brand name Freon, was the standard residential refrigerant for decades. New AC systems stopped using it around 2010, and as of January 1, 2020, R-22 is no longer produced or imported in the United States. Only recovered, reclaimed and stockpiled R-22 remains.

What this means for you:

• If your system uses R-22 and works fine, you can keep using it.
• If it develops a leak, recharging is expensive and supply keeps shrinking.
• A major repair (compressor or coil) on an R-22 system is usually not a good investment.

Many R-22 systems are now 15 years old or more. If yours is one, read our repair-or-replace guide.

R-410A: being phased down

R-410A (sometimes sold as "Puron") replaced R-22 and became the standard for systems installed from roughly 2010 through 2024. Under the AIM Act, production of HFCs like R-410A is being stepped down over time, and new residential AC and heat pump systems have transitioned to lower-GWP refrigerants.

What this means for you:

• Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced and repaired.
• Over time, as supply decreases, R-410A may become more expensive.
• If your R-410A system is relatively new and healthy, there's no reason to replace it.

The new refrigerants: R-454B and R-32

New residential systems now use lower-GWP refrigerants, most commonly:

• R-454B: used by many major U.S. equipment manufacturers. It has a much lower global warming potential than R-410A.
• R-32: widely used around the world, especially in ductless and some ducted systems.

Both are classified as A2L, meaning lower toxicity and mildly flammable. That sounds alarming, but these refrigerants are much harder to ignite than common flammable gases, and systems designed for them include safety measures. Building and mechanical codes have been updated, and equipment may include refrigerant leak detection sensors that activate the blower to disperse any leak. Installers need to follow updated procedures and use compatible tools.

Refrigerants are not interchangeable

You can't top off an R-22 system with R-410A, or put R-454B into an R-410A system. Different refrigerants run at different pressures and use different oils. Mixing them can damage the system and void warranties. That's also why replacing only the outdoor unit on an old R-22 system usually isn't possible. The indoor coil and line set need to be compatible with the new refrigerant.

"Low on refrigerant" means there's a leak

Air conditioners are sealed systems. They don't "use up" refrigerant like a car uses gas. If your system is low, there's a leak somewhere. Repeatedly topping off without fixing the leak wastes money, harms the environment and can damage the compressor. Handling refrigerant legally requires EPA Section 608 certification.

Common leak points include the outdoor coil (especially with salt corrosion near the coast; see salt air and AC corrosion), the indoor coil, service valves and flare fittings.

Should you replace your system because of refrigerant rules?

Not by itself. Here's a simple way to decide:

What to ask when getting a new system

1. Which refrigerant does this system use?
2. Will my existing line set be reused or replaced, and why?
3. Does the system require a refrigerant leak detection sensor, and is it included?
4. Are you trained and equipped to install A2L systems to current code?

Honest advice on your system

When we work on your system, we'll tell you exactly what refrigerant it uses, what condition it's in, and your options, with upfront pricing for both repair and replacement where it makes sense. All work is performed under our NJ Master HVACR license, held by Cornelius VanTeeling, who brings 40 years of experience. Message us from Toms River, Brick, Neptune, Red Bank or anywhere in our service area, or see our AC repair and AC installation pages.