Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants: What’s Changing in HVAC Regulations

Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants: What’s Changing in HVAC Regulations

In 2025, the U.S. requirements for HVAC equipment lowered the maximum allowable GWP to 700 or lower. The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act requires manufacturers to phase out HFCs and switch to low-global-warming-potential refrigerants. The reduction of GWP follows this timeline:

• 2024 – R-410A production is down 40%.
• 2025 – Refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or less are allowed in manufacturing.
• 2029 – R-410A production is down 70%.
• 2034 – Neutral refrigerants are introduced. R-410A production is down 80%.

These changes impact both commercial and residential HVAC systems.

People with systems containing older refrigerants don’t have to replace them immediately. However, it will become more expensive to recharge systems. Older systems cannot be adapted to run on low-GWP refrigerants. 

Because the requirements are changing for manufacturers, it helps homeowners to know how the change is going to impact them. Here’s what you need to know about changing HVAC regulations and the switch to low-GWP refrigerants.

The Role of Refrigerants in HVAC

All HVAC systems have a coolant that runs through the system, collecting heat from the indoor or outdoor air and transferring it. On a hot summer day, the system collects heat inside and releases it outside. Coolant releases cold air to the fans that distribute it throughout the home.

In the winter, it works in reverse. A heat pump system collects heat from the outside air and brings it inside. Other HVAC systems have electric or gas-powered burners that generate heat for fans to blow through the ducts and into the rooms.

Understanding GWP

GWP is the acronym for “global warming potential.” When an appliance using refrigerant runs, that refrigerant captures heat, and GWP is the amount of heat that’s captured in comparison to what carbon dioxide captures.

This matters because high-GWP ratings have a greater impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide is one of the most common greenhouse gases and accounts for 80% of the impact that these gases have on the planet.

Two of the most used refrigerants in an AC system are R-22 (Freon) or R-410A (Puron). As R-22 was ordered to be phased out by the EPA, R-454B (Puron Advance) and R-32 (Difluoromethane) are becoming more popular.

This is important as the GWP ratings on these are quite different. While carbon dioxide has a 100-year GWP of 1, the others have:

• R-404A – GWP 3,922 (Used in commercial cooling)
• R-410A – GWP 2,088
• R-22 – GWP 1,810
• R-32 – GWP 675
• R-454B – GWP 466

The California Air Resources Board offers imagery to make this a bit easier to understand. An HVAC system using 30 gallons of R-22 emits the same amount of air pollution as adding about seven more cars to the roads over a year.

It’s important to develop HVAC systems with the lowest possible GWP, which is why HVAC manufacturers research and develop newer systems with low-GWP alternative refrigerants.

Older AC Systems Are Grandfathered

While R-22 is no longer allowed to be used in the manufacturing of AC systems, it does still exist in older systems. If you have a current AC system that has R-22, it’s going to get harder to repair or perform maintenance as R-22 supplies become depleted. 

As of 2025, Today’s Homeowner reports the cost of R-22 refrigerant as ranging from $90 to $250 per pound. Compare that to R-32 at $10 to $20, R-410A at $50 to $90, and R-454B at $17 to $20. An AC system recharge on older systems that still use R-22 is far more expensive.

The phasedown schedule goes until 2036. It’s specifically set to this year, as most people with HVAC systems installed currently will need a new system by that point. If you have a system that hasn’t stopped working, 2036 is a goal for when it will be time to upgrade your HVAC system.

The Pros and Cons of Low-GWP Refrigerants

Many low-GWP coolants are classified as A2L. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 34 classifies A2L refrigerants as a non-toxic, slightly flammable refrigerant. Because they are considered flammable, newer HVAC equipment must contain additional safety features like automatic shut-offs and leak detectors.

You cannot smell A2L refrigerants, so the new HVAC system must have leak detection to capture even tiny leaks before you notice them. To ensure this feature works, it’s also important to have your system cleaned and inspected yearly. Commercial AC systems may need more frequent cleaning depending on the usage.

A2L coolants are better for the planet, though. They don’t harm the ozone layer as much as high-GWP refrigerants. They don’t stay in the atmosphere as long as their counterparts.

It’s also pushing companies to continue research for developing or finding alternative refrigerants that have even lower GWPs. Finding even more environmentally-friendly HVAC technologies is better for everyone.

Some of the latest advancements in HVAC technology are:

• A cold climate heat pump that has full heating capacity at temperatures as low as 13ºF.
• An AC system with built-in Auto Clean+ to keep the system well-maintained between annual cleanings.
• Remote maintenance of HVAC systems is becoming common. For some issues, technicians can access the system remotely and make certain repairs or perform system upgrades without having to come to your house.
• Predictive maintenance is appearing in more modern HVAC systems. The technology continually scans systems to look for possible issues and alert technicians before small problems become big ones.

When Should You Replace Your Current HVAC System?

It’s not necessary to rush out and have your entire HVAC system replaced as the switch to low-GWP refrigerants takes place. What you should consider is how much extra your yearly maintenance and recharge services cost. If you’re spending more on R-22 than you can afford, it’s a good time to consider a system upgrade.

Some of the signs to watch for when determining if it’s time for an HVAC system replacement are:

• Your system is 10 years or older.
• The cost of a repair times the HVAC system’s age exceeds $5,000.
• Your energy bills are skyrocketing, even after maintenance or repairs.
• The HVAC system isn’t adequately heating or cooling anymore, especially after repairs or maintenance.

Air Blue Heating and Cooling specializes in residential and commercial HVAC systems. If you believe it’s time to replace your system or want help deciding if it’s the right time, contact us for a free quote. We can help you secure rebates that lower the cost of a new, energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly HVAC system.