R-410A Phase Out 2025: What HVAC Technicians Need to Know

The AIM Act: What It Actually Says

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, signed into law in December 2020, directs the EPA to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% by 2036, using a 2011-2013 baseline. This is not a ban on using R-410A in existing systems. It is a phasedown of production, which means supply gets progressively tighter and prices go up.

The key dates that matter for HVAC technicians:

• January 1, 2025: New residential and commercial AC and heat pump equipment manufactured in the US must use refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or less. R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, so it no longer qualifies for new equipment.
• 2025 through 2028: Transition period. Manufacturers are shipping new equipment with R-454B and R-32. R-410A is still available for servicing existing systems.
• 2032 and beyond: R-410A production drops further. Expect significant price increases for service refrigerant, similar to what happened with R-22.

Why R-410A Has to Go

R-410A replaced R-22 because R-22 depleted the ozone layer. R-410A solved that problem entirely (zero ODP), but it turned out to have a massive global warming potential. At GWP 2,088, one pound of R-410A released into the atmosphere traps as much heat as 2,088 pounds of CO2. The AIM Act targets this specific issue.

The Replacement Refrigerants

R-454B (Opteon XL41) by Chemours

R-454B is the most common R-410A replacement for residential systems in the US market. It is a blend of R-32 (68.9%) and R-1234yf (31.1%).

• GWP: 466 (78% lower than R-410A)
• Safety classification: A2L (mildly flammable)
• Operating pressures: Slightly lower than R-410A
• Capacity: About 5% less than R-410A (equipment redesigned to compensate)
• Who is using it: Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Daikin (in select models)

R-32

R-32 is widely used in Asia and Europe and is gaining ground in the US market, particularly in ductless and VRF systems.

• GWP: 675
• Safety classification: A2L (mildly flammable)
• Operating pressures: Higher discharge pressure and temperature than R-410A
• Efficiency: Generally higher than R-410A
• Who is using it: Daikin (primary choice), Mitsubishi, Fujitsu

The A2L Factor: What Changes for Technicians

Both R-454B and R-32 carry an A2L safety classification, meaning they are mildly flammable. This is a significant change from R-410A, which is A1 (non-flammable). Here is what that means in practice:

• Updated building codes. UL 60335-2-40 (4th edition) governs equipment safety requirements for A2L systems. ASHRAE 15.2 covers installation standards. Local code adoption varies, so check your jurisdiction.
• Leak detection requirements. A2L equipment includes built-in refrigerant leak detection sensors that can shut down the system if refrigerant concentration reaches unsafe levels.
• Charge limits. There are maximum charge limits based on room size and installation type, calculated per the equipment safety standard.
• Brazing and recovery. You need to ensure adequate ventilation when brazing. Standard nitrogen purging and evacuation procedures still apply. Recovery equipment rated for A2L refrigerants is required.
• No open flames near leaks. While A2L refrigerants are difficult to ignite (high minimum ignition energy, low burning velocity), you should not use open flames or sparking tools near a known leak.

What You Need to Do Now

1. Get trained on A2L handling. Manufacturers and supply houses are offering training. ESCO Institute and NATE both have A2L certification programs. Some states are beginning to require this.
2. Update your recovery equipment. Your existing recovery machine may not be rated for A2L refrigerants. Check the manufacturer's specs and upgrade if needed.
3. Stock new PT charts and references. R-454B and R-32 have different pressure-temperature relationships than R-410A. Your muscle memory for R-410A pressures will not transfer.
4. Learn the new equipment. Attend manufacturer training sessions. The systems are similar in concept but have different components, wiring, and control boards.
5. Keep servicing R-410A systems. The installed base of R-410A equipment will need service for 15 to 20 more years. This is not going away overnight. R-410A service refrigerant will be available for years, just at higher prices.
6. Communicate with customers. When quoting replacements, explain that new systems use different refrigerants. Set expectations about the transition.

Price Impact: What to Expect

If you were in the trade during the R-22 phase-out, you know the pattern. R-410A service refrigerant prices will increase as production quotas tighten. In 2024, a 25-pound jug of R-410A was around $150 to $200. By 2028, expect that to double or more. Build this into your service pricing now rather than absorbing the cost increases later.

New equipment using R-454B and R-32 will initially carry a premium over legacy R-410A units, but as production scales up and R-410A units phase out of manufacturing, that gap will close.

The Bottom Line

The R-410A phase-out is happening, but it is a transition, not a cliff. Existing R-410A systems will be serviced for years. New installations will use R-454B or R-32. The techs who invest in training and updated tools now will be the ones who transition smoothly, just like the techs who got ahead of the R-22 phase-out instead of scrambling at the end.