If you have shopped for a new air conditioner this year, you have probably seen unfamiliar labels like R-454B or R-32 and wondered what changed. As of January 2025, federal rules require every new home AC and heat pump to use a low global-warming refrigerant, so the old standard, R-410A, is being phased out and replaced by R-454B and R-32. Here is what the change is, whether your current system is affected, and how it should factor into your decision if you are buying or replacing a system this summer.

What changed: R-410A is out, R-454B and R-32 are in

Under the federal AIM Act, air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured for homes now have to use a refrigerant with a much lower global warming potential. R-410A, the standard for the last two decades, is being wound down, and manufacturers have moved new equipment to R-454B or R-32. R-22, the older refrigerant many people still call Freon, was already phased out of new systems years ago.

This does not mean your existing system is illegal or unsafe. It means new equipment built going forward uses the new refrigerants, and the older ones will get harder and more expensive to find over time.

Quick comparison: older refrigerants vs. the new standard

Older Refrigerants (R-22, R-410A) Factor New Standard (R-454B, R-32)
Being phased out of new systems Availability Standard on all new equipment
Very high (R-410A around 2,000) Global warming potential Much lower (R-454B under 500)
Non-flammable (A1) Safety class Mildly flammable (A2L), with built-in safeguards
Rising as supply tightens Service cost over time Stable, parts and refrigerant widely stocked
Fine to keep and repair If you already own one What you get with any new install

Paschal technician servicing the coil and refrigerant lines inside a Hot Springs, AR AC system

If you already own an R-410A or R-22 system

You do not need to replace a working air conditioner just because the refrigerant changed. A properly running R-410A or R-22 system is still legal to own, run, and repair. The rules apply to new equipment, not to the unit already sitting beside your house.

The practical impact shows up at service time. As production of the older refrigerants winds down, the cost to recharge an aging system after a leak tends to climb. If your system is newer and sealed up tight, that may never matter to you. If it is older and has needed refrigerant before, it is worth knowing that those top-offs get pricier each year. A Paschal Pro can tell you which refrigerant your system uses during a diagnostic and walk you through what it means for your specific unit.

If you are buying or replacing an AC now

Any new system you buy this year will already use R-454B or R-32, so this is not a decision you have to manage. The manufacturer and your installer handle it. What matters for you is choosing the right size, efficiency, and installer, and knowing the new refrigerant is a normal part of every quote you will see in 2026.

A few things worth understanding before you sign:

  • The new refrigerant is built into the price. Every reputable quote for a new system this year reflects R-454B or R-32 equipment. It is the standard, not an upgrade or an add-on.
  • Installer training matters more now. The new refrigerants carry a mildly flammable (A2L) rating, so proper handling, leak detection, and code-compliant installation are important. Licensed, trained Paschal Pros are equipped for the new standard.
  • Mixing old and new is not a shortcut. You cannot simply pour a new refrigerant into a system designed for R-410A. The equipment is engineered around the refrigerant it ships with.

Is R-454B safe for my home?

Yes. R-454B and R-32 carry an A2L rating, which means they are mildly flammable, but that classification is far less reactive than the gas in your stove or grill, and it takes very specific conditions to ignite. New systems are engineered with leak detection and other safeguards designed around these refrigerants, and they meet current building and safety codes. For everyday use in your home, a properly installed R-454B system is as safe as the R-410A system it replaces.

What Paschal installs and why

Paschal installs new systems built on the current refrigerant standard across our service area, including R-454B and R-32 equipment from the manufacturers we trust.

Our Pros size every system to the home with a proper load calculation, handle permits and inspections for you, and explain up front what you are getting and what it costs before any work begins. You will see what we are seeing and know what it means, so you can make a confident decision.

Still weighing which system is right for your home?

Tell us what’s going on and a Paschal Pro will help you figure out the right next step. Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric has delivered world-class service across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas for over 55 years. Licensed Paschal Pros, up-front pricing, and clear next steps before any work begins.