What’s the Difference Between R-22, R-410A & Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants?

Vickie Blakey
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AC Heating Connect Service Tech uses an iPad 6 for important HVAC information

Comparing Refrigerants Side-by-Side

As a homeowner considering an HVAC purchase, it’s important that you understand the difference so you can make the best decision for your system. We’ve outlined below the main differences and why they matter.

R-22

  • Often referred to by a brand name like Freon®
  • As of 2010, R-22 was discontinued for use in new air conditioning systems
  • R-22 is a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) which contributes to ozone depletion

R-410A

  • Often referred to by a brand name like Puron®
  • R-410A will be discontinued in new, residential air conditioners beginning Jan. 1, 2026. New R-410A systems can still be installed through Dec. 31, 2025.
  • R-410A is being phased down and replaced by low GWP refrigerants (A2Ls).

A2L Refrigerants

  • The HFC phasedown is being driven by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which has authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the supply and demand of HFC refrigerants.
  • A2L refrigerants are characterized by mild flammability, low toxicity, and low GWP. They include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends.
  • Low GWP refrigerants, R-32 (675 GWP) and R-454B (466 GWP) for air conditioning, have been introduced.
  • New equipment and systems using low-GWP refrigerants will be introduced in 2024.

What does this mean to homeowners?

During 2024 and 2025, homeowners looking to replace their AC or heat pump (currently using R-410A) or needing a full system replacement can still replace their unit with R-410A systems (based on availability).  More than likely, this will be a lower cost than the new A2L systems.  However, R-410A refrigerant production will continue to be phased down.  There will be a major cut in HFC refrigerant production / import – 40% in 2024 and 70% beginning in 2029 (potentially driving R-410A prices up).  Limited availability of R-410A will impact service costs (units requiring refrigerant) in the future.

If you’re looking for a full system replacement you can request a quote for one of the new A2L systems.  The low global warming potential systems are more environmentally friendly and have a reduced impact on climate change versus previous refrigerants.

As always, consider potential rebates from your utility company or federal tax credits that are available for selecting higher efficiency systems. You can learn more at www.desireusa.org and www.energy.gov/save/rebates.

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435 thoughts on “What’s the Difference Between R-22, R-410A & Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants?”

  1. I have a 4 year old 5 ton Fedder system that died. Technician says it is the compressor which is under warranty. I am being told the 3/4″ lines that are inside my walls are too small for the R410a refrigerant and that I need to upgrade my pipes to 7/8″ pipes that they want to run up the outside of my house to my attic where my air handler is located. The vertical hight is approximately 30′ and about another 10′ of horizontal to the handler in the attic.
    Does this make sense? The increase from 3/4″ to 7/8″ will make that big a difference?

    Any help appreciated!!!!!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Andrew,

      Generally it is a good practice to ensure that all components are compatible for the refrigerant being selected. This refers to not only the indoor coil, outdoor coil, compressor, and metering device, but to the line set as well. The system line sizing is typically based on the unit type, location and capacity being selected. As always, I would be sure to get multiple quotes on any “new” installation before deciding on a particular A/C investment.

      Hope this help,
      Scott

      Reply ↓

  2. This article is senseless nonsense falsely promoting 410A.

    1) 401A being able to absorb more heat is only a benefit to the HVAC industry, increasing their profit margins. They are not passing any savings on to the consumer except if you count the increasing rarity of R-22 due to the phase-out.

    If anyone actually cared about efficiency they would use high efficiency compressors, larger coils, high efficiency fan motors and blades. They do not, it’s just whatever is cheapest that’ll last a warranty period.

    2) That R-410A operates at a higher pressure is not in any way some good thing, not some assurance that compressors are built better. On the contrary it just means the system has more stress and built to the same price point (remember, it’s all about profits) it will fail sooner. To try to spin the opposite is foolish and naive.

    3) Trying to claim the difference in mineral oil and synthetic is arbitrary and just plain wrong. Synthetic oil can be used with equal, actually better results due to the lower pressure mentioned above, in R-22 systems. This point in the article is probably deliberately ignoring facts if not deliberately misleading. You’re merely assuming that if an old system used mineral oil that a new R-22 would too, while most industries have moved to synthetic any time wear is a concern.

    4) The Dry Charging paragraph. It just repeats the myths propigated previously. Yes the price of R-22 will go up so why do people still pick it? Because they aren’t duped by nonsense like this article contains, know that if it weren’t for R-22 depleting the ozone layer and so being restricted in use, THAT WE WOULD STILL USE IT AS THE SUPERIOR SOLUTION.
    If it was actually inferior in use then the industry would switch to R-410A with no mandates needed, just to stay competitive.

    In closing, R-410 offers no real advantage from a technical standpoint. Energy costs completely swamp the production costs of refrigerant so it is irrelevant that it’s more efficient per volume because a larger volume of R-22 would be a trivial cost difference, and is actually cheaper over the long run because its lower pressure system takes longer to leak so it needs replaced, and refrigerant bought, less often.

    Reply ↓

  4. Hi, i like to seek your opinion on whether R22 can use a R410 compressor exchange valve. I have an old A/C with R22. Recently, i hired an A/C company to redo the coiling and duct work in the attic. Without knowing, they put in coil and compression exchange valve that works with R410A even though i still use R22 compressor and condenser.

    This month, the AC compressor crapped out and was replaced. However, the AC company that was provided by the warranty company noticed we are using a R410A valve and claims that would cause the compressor to break. Is that possible? The a/c company i hired said the reason they replaced the old coiling with R410A was due to R22 being phased out and that R410A valve can work with R22. Who’s right? Thank you!

    Reply ↓

    • Some coils are compatible with both R-22 and R-410A but in most cases the thermal expansion valve is changed to match the refrigerant being used in the outdoor unit to insure proper performance of the system.

      Reply ↓

  5. Hi,
    I have an 2007 Amana 16 SEER that was serviced in 2010. The tech added 3lbs of R22 instead of using R410-A. What are the consequences of this action and what can I look for to be replaced now that the AC needs service (6-2015) and the tech that put the R22 is coming back to fix this issue?
    thanks,
    James in California.

    Reply ↓

    • James.

      Air Conditioning systems are designed, tested and approved for a certain combination of components (e.g. refrigerant and oil) so the system and compressor along with controlling devices inside the system may not function properly if the wrong refrigerant is used. I would recommend getting any leaks fixed, removing the old refrigerant and recharging with the proper refrigerant at the right charge level and then ask the Service technician to check the compressor amp draw and run some diagnostics to make sure it is running ok.

      Hope this helps,
      Scott

      Reply ↓

  6. Hi,

    I am from India and willing bought a Godrej model with REFRIGERANT r290 . Is it good to have this in the house…

    Thanks

    Reply ↓

  7. My house/AC system is 8 years old, and outside TRANE compressor (R22) is damaged and have to be replaced, the model number is 2TRR3060A1000AA. One contractor suggest me to replace new R410 outside unit and keep the inside unit/coil to save money, he will also flush line. My question is how do I know the inside coil can handle both R22 and R410, the inside model number is 2TXFH063AS3HHA. In the label, it shows the refrigerant is R22, but the design pressure is 480 psi. also how do I know the existing copper piping can handle high pressure for R410? What is the approximate cost to change piping?

    Thanks!

    John

    Reply ↓

    • Hi John,
      First of all, the metering device on your R-22 coil will probably need to be changed to one that works for R-410A refrigerant as your current TXV is not sized for that refrigerant. You will also need to check with the manufacturer or contractor to see if your current R-22 coil will be usable with R-410A and if so, you might be able to use it and just change the expansion valve. If you are unsure about this just call them. In any case, the copper line set will need to be inspected by your contractor and you both can decide if it should be changed. If it is older and has a lot of bends and solder joints these can often fatigue and create leaks over time. If you keep the line set it will need to be cleaned and flushed to remove any debris and any remaining mineral oil from the R-22 system. The cost of replacing line sets varies from job to job and is dependent on the length of the lines (copper material cost) and the labor to install it. If you have a short, easy to reach line set it might be worth changing it out. For some people, if the line sets are long and the access is complicated with not too many old solder joints, some people just use the old lines.

      Reply ↓

  8. Operating HVAC, no labels on it. How can I find out what coolant is charged in the unit – R-22 or R-410A? Thanks.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Delcho,

      You are correct, it is very helpful to know which refrigerant the current system is using, before performing any service work.
      > Since your unit does not appear to have any labels, one way to tell (without installing gauges) is to look at the compressor nomenclature.
      > In the case of a “Copeland” brand compressor and looking at the actual compressor label, if the first two digits of the model are “ZR” or “CR” then your system is most likely R-22 refrigerant. If the compressor model starts with “ZP” then the unit is most likely R-410A refrigerant.

      Hope this helps,
      Scott

      Reply ↓

  9. Dear Gentlemen,

    I am Engineer from Brazil and currently working to support the management of maintenance contracts of a large bank with several branches.

    We have been experiencing some problems with contractors that, in order to save some money, replace burnt compressors that are designed for use with R410A by others of the same ARI rating but designed for use with R22.

    They say it suffices to change the mineral oil that comes with the part by a siynthetic POE one that the same performance will be delivered.

    Would this procedure be acceptable? Would there be any side effects?

    Thank you in anticipation for your help and happy easter.

    Best Regards,

    Georgios

    Reply ↓

    • Georgios – Compressors are designed specifically for certain refrigerants due to the pressures involved. Simply changing the oil is not sufficient to reliably switch compressors from one refrigerant to another. You have to use compressors designed to run at rated pressures and capacities for the refrigerant specified in the system or you will have immediate problems with efficiency and eventually you could have reliability problems which could cause premature failure of the replacement compressor.

      Reply ↓

  10. Is it advisable to top up a leaking HVAC system (R410A) without first evacuating the entire system? I learnt that R410A composition can change when it leaks making top up not advisable for effective cooling. Is this true? Thanks

    Reply ↓

    • Unless the system has lost over half of the total system charge, “topping off” a leaking R-410A system after the leak has been repaired should not be an issue but it should always be charged as a liquid to reduce the chance of fractionization. R-410a usually has an insignificant amount of fractionization, and almost no glide (as compared to R-407C) but charging as a liquid is still the best approach.

      Reply ↓

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