AC Refrigerant Types Explained: What Homeowners Need to Know

Your air conditioning system works hard to keep you cool and comfortable. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of the system, making the cooling process possible. Over the years, the types of refrigerant used in home air conditioners have changed as environmental regulations have evolved. But what exactly is refrigerant? How does it work? And what do recent refrigerant changes mean for your AC system?

Whether you're a new homeowner or simply curious about refrigerant and HVAC maintenance, this guide will help you better understand:

• The role that the refrigerant plays in your system
• Home warranty refrigerant and air conditioning coverage
• Recent refrigerant changes and what they could mean for your system and your budget

What Are Home AC Refrigerants and How Do They Work?

Refrigerants are chemical compounds that move heat from one place to another. Understanding the role of refrigerant starts with understanding how an AC system works. Refrigerant circulates through a closed system of coils and components, changing from a liquid to a gas and back again as it absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors. Once the heat is removed from your home, the cooled air is circulated throughout your house.

Unlike gasoline in a car, refrigerant isn’t “used up” during normal operation. If you notice your system is taking longer to cool your home, that could be a sign of low refrigerant. Other common signs include higher energy bills (because your unit is working harder) and warm air (rather than cold) coming from the interior vents.

Low refrigerant levels can reduce efficiency and strain your AC system, so it’s important to address the cause quickly. If a leak is detected, a technician can make the necessary repairs and perform a refrigerant recharge, which means adding refrigerant to bring the system back to its proper level.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about a possible refrigerant leak in your AC system, an HVAC professional can inspect your system, locate the source of the leak, and determine whether it can be repaired. NEVER try to add refrigerant yourself. Handling refrigerant requires specialized equipment and training.

Types of AC Refrigerant for Homes

Not all air conditioners use the same refrigerant. The type of refrigerant your system requires largely depends on when it was manufactured, as refrigerants have evolved over the years in response to changing environmental regulations. The four most commonly used home refrigerants are R-22, R-410A, R-454B, and R-32. 

R-22

R-22 (Freon) was once the standard refrigerant for home AC systems. However, because R-22 depletes the ozone layer, manufacturers stopped producing new AC systems that use R-22 in 2010. R-22 was still produced and imported until 2020, and reclaimed R-22 can still be used to service existing systems. If your home has an AC system that was manufactured before 2010, it may use R-22.

R-410A

R-410A (Puron) replaced R-22 and is currently one of the most common refrigerants in HVAC systems. Unlike R-22, it doesn’t deplete the ozone layer; however, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerants like R-410A have a global warming potential, or GWP, of 2,088, meaning they can have a significant impact on climate change.

See the table below for more details about GWP and its implications for AC refrigerants.

R-454B

This next-generation refrigerant was developed as an alternative to R-410A. It has less impact on global warming and is widely used in new central air conditioners and heat pump systems.  

R-32

Another next-generation refrigerant, R-32, is commonly used in ductless mini-split systems, but it can also be used in other types of air conditioners and heat pumps. It has been used in HVAC systems worldwide for years and is becoming more widespread in new residential equipment in the United States.

GWP and Changing Refrigerant Standards

GWP is a way of measuring how much a greenhouse gas, such as refrigerant, contributes to global warming relative to carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is used as the baseline because it has a GWP of 1. For example, a refrigerant with a GWP of 2,000 means it has about 2,000 times the global warming effect of the same amount of carbon dioxide.

Because refrigerants with higher GWPs have a greater negative impact on the climate, shifting to lower-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 has become a focus of environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required that new residential air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured or imported beginning in 2025 must use refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or less, although older equipment manufactured before 2025 can still be installed while supplies last.

The lower the GWP, the lower the refrigerant’s global warming potential. The differences in climate impact become clear when you compare the GWP of common refrigerants:

Refrigerant	GWP	Status	System Serviceability	Cost Implications
R-22	1,810	Discontinued in new AC systems in 2010; production and import of new R-22 ended in 2020.	Yes, using available reclaimed or recovered supplies.	Limited supply can mean higher costs.
R-410A	2,088	Use in most new residential AC systems ended in 2025; supply is gradually being phased down.	Yes, but may become less available as supply declines.	Costs may rise as supply declines.
R-454B	465	Used in new HVAC systems.	Yes, in systems specifically designed for R-454B.	Pricing varies as availability continues to expand.
R-32	675	Used in new HVAC systems.	Yes, in systems specifically designed for R-32.	Pricing varies as availability continues to expand.

Note: R-454B and R-32 are both considered next-generation refrigerants, but they are not interchangeable. Likewise, these newer refrigerants can’t be added to older systems designed for either R-22 or R-410A.  As mentioned earlier, AC systems are designed to use only a specific type of refrigerant.

Refrigerant Safety

Besides GWP, another difference among refrigerants is how they are classified for safety. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) classifies refrigerants based on their toxicity and flammability.

R-22 and R-410A are classified as A1 refrigerants, meaning they have lower toxicity and don’t create a flame under standard test conditions. The newer R-454B and R-32 refrigerants are classified as A2L, meaning they are less toxic but still considered mildly flammable. The “L” indicates low flammability with slow burning velocity.  

While “mildly flammable” may sound concerning, newer AC systems that use A2L refrigerants are specifically designed with safety in mind. Additionally, HVAC technicians are trained on proper installation, servicing, and use of appropriate tools and procedures when working with A2L systems, providing greater reassurance for homeowners.

What Refrigerant Does Your System Use?

How can you tell which refrigerant your AC system uses? Look for the nameplate or equipment label on the outdoor condenser. The refrigerant type is typically listed, along with information such as the model number, serial number, and electrical specifications. If you can’t locate the nameplate or label, check your owner’s manual. An HVAC professional can also inspect your system and identify the refrigerant your system requires.

Knowing your refrigerant type can be especially helpful when your system needs service. Remember, refrigerants aren’t interchangeable. While the age of your AC equipment can provide a clue about which refrigerant your system uses, don’t assume. Always check the nameplate or label, or ask an HVAC technician to confirm.

Find out how long air conditioners typically last and what to do if yours is on its last legs.

How Much Does Refrigerant Cost?

The cost of AC refrigerant can vary widely depending on several variables. HVAC refrigerant is measured by weight and is typically priced by the pound. How many pounds your system needs depends on:

• The size of your AC equipment: Larger AC systems generally require more refrigerant to operate optimally, which can increase recharge costs.
• How much refrigerant needs to be replaced: The more refrigerant your system has lost, the more you’ll need to replace, increasing your total cost.

• The region where you live: Refrigerant prices are influenced by national supply and availability, local labor rates, demand for HVAC service, and access to the refrigerant.
• The availability of the refrigerant your system requires: Older refrigerants like R-22 can be more expensive because new production has ended, and supply is limited. R-410A supply is also being phased down, affecting availability and pricing.

What about newer refrigerants? R-454B and R-32 aren’t necessarily less expensive than older refrigerants. However, newer AC systems designed to use these refrigerants can offer greater energy efficiency, which may help lower monthly cooling costs.

See what a First American home warranty for air conditioners covers.

What If My System Is Older?

There’s no need to purchase a new system just because it uses an older refrigerant. Existing R-22 and R-410A systems can continue to be used and serviced throughout their lives. However, R-22 prices have risen because new production has stopped, and as R-410A supply is phased down, prices will likely continue to rise.

A First American home warranty can be helpful regardless of your AC system's age, and particularly if it is aging. We’ll honor your older equipment and repair it if equipment and components are available. If your system cannot be repaired, we’ll replace it with a new EPA-approved system.*

How a Home Warranty Can Help

Refrigerant costs can add up, especially when your system requires several pounds. A home warranty can help by covering some or all of that expense when it’s needed as part of a covered HVAC repair. All First American home warranty plans cover refrigerant recharges:

• The Premium plan (and all real estate home warranty plans) covers all refrigerant recharge costs; however, you may have non-covered costs for reclaim and disposal of some refrigerants.
• The Essential plan and Standard plan (with the AC coverage option) cover costs up to $20 per pound and over $250.

For an extra layer of HVAC protection, add our popular pre-season HVAC tune-up coverage option to your First American home warranty plan. It includes two service checkups — one in spring and another in fall — to help keep your HVAC system running smoothly year ‘round.  The service includes checking thermostats, refrigerant levels, pilot lights, and more. Regular HVAC tune-ups improve efficiency and can help prevent breakdowns.

When your covered AC system needs repair, or even replacement, you could save hundreds to thousands of dollars, making your First American home warranty a smart investment.

Your coverage can also include home appliances and systems such as dishwashers, ovens, ranges, cooktops, washers and dryers, and even plumbing and electrical systems. When these covered items unexpectedly break, home warranty coverage offers a convenient repair/replacement solution that helps keep your household running smoothly.

Read more about our comprehensive home warranty coverage and get a free quote today.

FAQs About Refrigerant

What type of refrigerant is used in home AC units?

The type of refrigerant used in your AC system often depends on its age. Manufacturers stopped making AC systems that use R-22 in 2010, and R-410A became widely used in the systems that followed. Beginning in 2025, new EPA requirements shifted newly manufactured residential AC and heat pump systems toward R-454B and R-32, which are lower-GWP refrigerants that are more eco-friendly than the older refrigerants.

What type of refrigerant does my home AC use?

To determine the type of refrigerant your home AC system uses, check the nameplate or label on the outdoor condenser unit or refer to your owner's manual. If you're unsure, ask an HVAC professional to confirm.

Where can I buy refrigerant for my home AC?

Refrigerant is not sold to the public; only certified HVAC professionals can purchase refrigerant. Refrigerant requires specialized equipment, training, and proper procedures, and should only be handled by a qualified HVAC professional. Never try to add refrigerant to your AC system yourself.

Does a home warranty cover AC refrigerant leaks or recharges?

First American home warranty plans either include AC coverage, or it can be added as a coverage option. The Premium Plan and real estate home warranties for buyers and sellers cover 100% of all refrigerant recharge costs. The Essential plan and Standard plan (with the AC coverage option) cover costs up to $20 per pound and over $250.

What is the difference between R-454B and R-32?

R-454B and R-32 are next-generation refrigerants with a lower climate impact than older refrigerants. Both meet EPA requirements for new residential HVAC equipment manufactured beginning in 2025, which limit refrigerant GWP to below 700. R-454B is widely used in ducted air conditioners and heat pump systems, while R-32 is commonly used in ductless mini-split systems.

*In some instances, Homeowner and First American may agree to payment of cash in lieu of repair or replacement. Payment will be made based on First American’s negotiated rates with its suppliers, which may be less than retail. Please review the sample contract for specific coverage, terms and limitations.

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The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.