If your old air conditioner or heat pump uses R-410A (“Puron”), you may have heard that it is being phased out. Here is what actually changed, in plain English, and what it means when you replace your system.
What changed
Under the federal AIM Act, the EPA set limits on the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants used in new air conditioning equipment. For residential and light-commercial split systems, new equipment manufactured from January 1, 2025 must use a refrigerant with a GWP under 700. R-410A has a GWP around 2,088, so manufacturers moved to new refrigerants. A sell-through period allowed already-built R-410A split systems to be installed through the end of 2025.
The new refrigerants: R-32 and R-454B
- R-32 (GWP about 675) is used by Goodman, Daikin and our Solace brand.
- R-454B (GWP about 466) is used by several other major brands.
Both are classified A2L, meaning “mildly flammable.” Equipment designed for them includes safety features such as refrigerant leak detection where required, and installers follow updated codes and procedures.
What it means for you
- Your existing R-410A system can keep running. Nothing requires you to replace working equipment, and R-410A remains available for servicing existing systems, though prices may rise over time as supply shrinks.
- You cannot mix refrigerants. A new R-32 condenser cannot be paired with an old R-410A indoor coil. When you replace the outdoor unit, plan to replace the matching indoor coil or air handler too, which is why complete matched systems make sense.
- Line sets. An existing copper line set can sometimes be reused if it is the right size, in good condition and properly cleaned and tested. Your installer makes that call; see our line set guide.
- Repair vs. replace. If your R-410A system is older and needs a major repair (compressor, coil leak), compare that cost against a new matched R-32 system before you decide.
What to buy
If you are replacing now, buy a complete matched R-32 system: outdoor unit plus the matching coil and furnace, or the matching air handler. Shop Goodman systems or Solace systems, and use the sizing tool to confirm the tonnage. Have a licensed HVAC contractor install it and register the warranty.
Questions about matching a new system to your home? Call (877) 843-4822.