Is your HVAC system impacted by recent refrigerant regulations? Since 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency has been steadily phasing out multiple refrigerants containing HCFCs and CFCs in an effort to comply with the Clean Air Act. In 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act expanded on that act to include HFCs to the list, as well. That means that your current HVAC system could be relying on chemicals that are no longer available in the United States.
How will this impact you? We share how these new changes could affect your ability to heat and cool your home, plus offer tips for navigating future chemical phase-outs.
What is Refrigerant?
A refrigerant is a chemical liquid used in cooling equipment like air conditioning systems and refrigerators. It is also used in heat pumps. In the majority of systems, refrigerant cycles from a liquid to a gas and back again, absorbing heat via the evaporator coil and releasing heat energy via the condenser coil. In the case of a heat pump, the system can also reverse the cycle to heat the air. This entire process occurs in a closed loop system, meaning that no refrigerant or gas ever escapes the unit (unless the unit is damaged).
Refrigerant is an incredibly important tool for health, comfort and safety. We love the convenience it offers when we enter a cool home on a hot Pueblo day, and we certainly appreciate the way it keeps food from spoiling. However, like many of the chemicals that make our lives better, it can be incredibly damaging to the environment if it leaks or is improperly disposed of. That’s why their use has become so highly regulated over the years.
Types of Refrigerant:
- CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons): These refrigerants were the first to be phased out by the EPA in the 1990s. If you have an HVAC u nit that was installed before the 1990s, you are likely running on a CFC refrigerant. We’ll talk more about why that matters below. Examples: R-11, R-12 (Freon)
- HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons): HCFCs may sound more familiar, as they were part of the 2020 phase-out. R-22 was the key HCFC phased out and ultimately banned. Phase-out of R-22 has been ongoing since 2010. However, if your HVAC was installed before 2020, there is a strong possibility it contains R-22. Examples: R-123, R-124, R-142b
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): HFCs like R-410A are better for the ozone, but recent regulations have moved toward phase-out due to their global warming potential. Examples: R-404A, R-134a, R-410a (phasing out)
- HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins): HFOs are considered the least damaging of the refrigerants at this time, although they do still have an environmental impact. Manufacturers like Trane have shifted to R-454B in 2025, calling it, “the new HVAC industry standard refrigerant.” Examples: R-1234yf, R-1234ze
How Will Refrigerant Regulations Impact My HVAC System?
Refrigerants are not interchangeable. If your current system uses any of the refrigerants that are currently banned or phasing out, it may have an impact on servicing and repairing any HVAC system with a heat pump or air conditioning unit.
Low Supply
Chemicals like R-22 are no longer produced. The only supply available today comes from recycled/reclaimed refrigerants or existing stores. Your HVAC technician may have to work hard to source a supply in the event replacement refrigerant is needed.
Higher Repair Costs
The cost of replacing these hard-to-find chemicals can be quite high, due to the shortage in supply. Older AC and refrigerator units that rely on banned refrigerants may eventually become too expensive to repair.
Shortage of Trained Technicians
Newer refrigerants are less damaging to the environment than previous options. However, they also come with a different set of issues that require increased training for safe use. Some, for example, are slightly flammable and must be handled with care. It may take time for training to catch up with demand in certain regions of the United States. Flow Right’s continuing education program has ensured that our technicians can work safely with these new refrigerants, but that may not be the case for other HVAC companies.
With these potential challenges on the horizon, you may be wondering how to manage them. Fortunately, there are a few solutions that can help you navigate changing refrigerant regulations.
Know Your Options: What to Do When Your System Uses Banned Refrigerant
If your system was installed before 2020, it likely uses a refrigerant that is banned or being phased out in the next few years. If it was purchased and installed before 2010, that likelihood increases. What does that mean for your current HVAC? A lot of that depends on the age and condition of your existing HVAC and the type of refrigerant it uses. Let’s take a quick look at the factors:
Age
HVAC systems over 15 years old have a high likelihood of using banned refrigerants. The older they are, the harder the refrigerant will be to find, as it will have likely been phased out decades ago.
Condition
Older HVAC units are more likely to have leaks, cracks and sealant issues that leak refrigerant, requiring frequent maintenance.
Type of Refrigerant
Chemicals like R-22 are no longer manufactured. The price for recycled/reclaimed R-22 is at a premium, with prices climbing as the limited supply depletes. The rarer the refrigerant, the higher the cost.
If you have one or all of these challenges with your existing HVAC, you do have some options that can save you money and stress.
1. Replace Your HVAC System
While this may seem a bit extreme, it can actually be one of the easiest and most cost-effective options, especially if you have the HVAC trifecta of:
- an old AC,
- in poor condition,
- with a rare refrigerant.
Not only will you save yourself the hassle of sourcing the proper refrigerant (and paying the high price of replacement), you’ll also be investing in a safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly HVAC system overall.
2. Repair and Refill Your Existing System
If it’s more cost-effective, you may be able to repair and refill your existing system right now, while there’s still a reasonable supply and higher rates are still accessible for your budget. Flow Right offers complimentary estimates on HVAC projects and an experienced technician can help you determine if this is an affordable option.
3. Retrofit Your Existing HVAC for New Refrigerant
Refrigerant retrofits are not very common, but they are possible. Your HVAC technician may need to replace multiple components and flush the entire system in order to transition to the new refrigerant effectively. This method usually works best for much newer models. The drawback is that your HVAC may not perform as effectively with a different refrigerant.
Prepare Now for Peace of Mind Later
As refrigerant regulations continue to change over time, it’s important to stay informed about their potential impact on your HVAC system. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to handle challenges like low supply or potentially costly repairs if they come up in the future. Whether you need an upgrade, a repair or a retrofit, Flow Right Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric will help you get the job done right — Flow Right.