What changed
Under the federal AIM Act, the EPA is phasing down HFC refrigerants that contribute to climate change. The rule that matters most for homes and light commercial buildings took effect on January 1, 2025: new air conditioning and heat pump systems must use a refrigerant with a much lower global warming potential than R-410A, which had been the standard for about 15 years.
Most manufacturers, including Trane, moved to R-454B. Some use R-32. Both are classed as A2L refrigerants: mildly flammable, so the equipment includes added safety measures, such as refrigerant leak sensors in many indoor units, and technicians follow updated handling practices.
If you have an R-410A system
- You don’t have to replace it. Existing systems can keep running and be repaired.
- R-410A is still available for service, but production is being cut in stages, so expect the refrigerant to get more expensive over time. A major leak repair on an older system is worth weighing against replacement.
- Matched parts matter. A new R-454B outdoor unit can’t be paired with an existing R-410A indoor coil. If the outdoor unit fails, the replacement is usually a matched indoor and outdoor system.
If you have an R-22 system
R-22 (sometimes called Freon) hasn’t been produced in the U.S. since 2020. Service depends on recovered and recycled supply, which is limited and expensive. If an R-22 system develops a leak or a compressor problem, replacement is almost always the better investment.
For commercial buildings
Packaged rooftop units and other light commercial equipment are making the same transition. When you’re planning a rooftop unit replacement, the new unit will use a new refrigerant, and older units nearby will keep using theirs until they’re replaced.
What to do next
If your system uses R-22, or an older R-410A system needs a costly refrigerant repair, ask us for both options. The instant quote shows installed prices for new Trane systems, or call (509) 586-9464 and we’ll check what your system uses.