R-410A vs R-22 refrigerant

R-22 (Freon) was the standard residential AC refrigerant for decades. The Montreal Protocol phased out R-22 production starting 2010, with full phase-out completing in 2020. Existing R-22 equipment can still be serviced — but R-22 refrigerant is increasingly scarce and expensive ($150-$300/lb in 2026, up from $30-$50/lb pre-phase-out). Recharging an R-22 system often costs more than partial replacement.

R-410A (Puron) became the standard replacement and dominated the 2010-2024 market. It's not ozone-depleting but has high global warming potential (GWP). Starting 2025, R-410A is being phased down under the AIM Act in favor of lower-GWP refrigerants like R-454B. Equipment manufactured 2025+ uses R-454B; existing R-410A equipment continues to be serviced.

The practical takeaway for service businesses: R-22 systems are increasingly uneconomical to repair. R-410A systems remain serviceable. New installs should use R-454B-rated equipment for code compliance and future-proofing.