A quick-reference guide to common HVAC/R refrigerants, phaseout timelines, and transition recommendations.
Refrigerant Quick Reference
| Refrigerant | Type | Primary Use | Status | Replaces / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-407C | HFC Blend | A/C & Heat Pumps | Active | Common R-22 drop-in replacement |
| R-410A | HFC Blend | Residential & Commercial A/C | Phasing Down | New equipment ban effective 2025 |
| R-454B | HFO Blend (A2L) | A/C & Heat Pumps | Active | Primary R-410A replacement |
| R-32 | HFC (A2L) | Mini-splits & VRF | Active | Lower GWP R-410A alternative |
| R-134A | HFC | Auto A/C, Chillers | Active | Also used in some process cooling |
| R-404A | HFC Blend | Commercial Refrigeration | Phasing Down | High GWP — transitioning to R-448A/R-449A |
| R-448A | HFO Blend | Commercial Refrigeration | Active | R-404A / R-22 replacement for low-temp |
| R-449A | HFO Blend | Commercial Refrigeration | Active | R-404A / R-22 replacement for medium-temp |
| R-507C | HFC Blend | Low-Temp Refrigeration | Active | Freezer & low-temp applications |
| R-22 | HCFC | A/C & Refrigeration | Phased Out | Production banned 2020 (US) |
| R-12 | CFC | Auto A/C, Refrigeration | Phased Out | Banned 1996 — largely obsolete |
R-22 Phaseout Timeline
2010
No new HVAC equipment manufactured with R-22 (US)
2020
US production and import of R-22 banned. Only reclaimed or stockpiled refrigerant available.
Now
Reclaimed R-22 supply is limited and prices are high. Every repair is a decision point — retrofit or replace?
Future
Supply will continue to shrink. Systems still running on R-22 should have a transition plan in place.
R-410A Phasedown — What's Next
R-410A has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). Under the AIM Act, new residential and light commercial equipment using R-410A was banned starting January 1, 2025. R-454B and R-32 are the leading replacements.
R-410A
↓
R-454B (Opteon XL41)
The primary replacement chosen by most major equipment manufacturers for new residential and commercial A/C.
- ~68% lower GWP than R-410A
- Mildly flammable (A2L) — requires updated equipment
- New coils and equipment required
R-410A
↓
R-32
Used widely in mini-splits and VRF systems. Lower GWP than R-410A, gaining traction in commercial applications.
- ~67% lower GWP than R-410A
- Mildly flammable (A2L)
- Higher efficiency in many applications
Transition Guide
R-22 → R-407C
Best for existing systems — drop-in replacement with minimal changes required.
- No coil replacement needed in most cases
- Oil change to POE recommended
- Similar capacity and pressures to R-22
- Best short-term option
R-22 → R-410A
Full system replacement — higher efficiency but requires new equipment and coils.
- New coils, compressor, and metering device required
- Higher operating pressures than R-22
- Better long-term efficiency
- Note: R-410A itself is now phasing down
R-404A → R-448A / R-449A
Commercial refrigeration transition — both are low-GWP HFO blends suitable for existing systems.
- R-448A: low-temp (freezers, ice machines)
- R-449A: medium-temp (walk-ins, display cases)
- POE oil change recommended
- Minor capacity adjustments may be needed