How HVAC Refrigeration Changes Affect You

As a Mesa, AZ, homeowner, you need to know about refrigerant changes in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry if you plan to buy new heating and cooling equipment in the next 12 to 24 months.

Waiting could cost you extra money.

Effective January 1, 2026, HVAC companies can no longer manufacture or install residential air conditioners and heat pumps that use R-410A refrigerant. New cooling systems will contain a new generation of refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP).

New HVAC Refrigerants for Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

The new A2L refrigerants are more environmentally friendly than their predecessors—but you can anticipate some significant price hikes with new equipment. The best way to avoid those price increases is by investing in a new HVAC system today.

Our team at Mason Pro Services can help you find the best HVAC system for your Mesa home at a price you can afford. We offer Trane, Lennox, and Mitsubishi products, three of the most trusted names in the entire HVAC industry.

Mason Pro Services can also help you take advantage of available federal credits and rebates to offset the purchase cost. We’ve been helping homes and businesses in Arizona since 1993. Whether you repair or replace, we offer convenient financing options to help you pay over time.

Can I Keep Using My R-410A HVAC Equipment?

Yes. Your system probably uses R-410A refrigerant if it is less than 12 years old—and there is an ample inventory of R-410A to last over the next 15-20 years.

The new rules do not limit the use of any existing product or system. The rule was designed to allow homeowners to use and repair their current HVAC air conditioning systems throughout their useful life.

What If My HVAC System Uses R-22 Refrigerant?

If your system uses an older refrigerant, such as R-22, it is probably time to buy new equipment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a phasedown of R-22 in 2010, meaning your system is likely more than 12 years old.

The typical service life of an AC unit is 12-15 years. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), you could save up to 40 percent on energy costs by replacing a 10-year-old unit with a newer model.

If you buy a new R-410A HVAC system in 2024, manufacturers say there is plenty of available R-410A refrigerant to last the life of your equipment.

Will Homeowners Notice Any Differences in the Refrigerants?

No. The only difference you will see as a customer is a price difference. That’s why we encourage you to shop now if you think your equipment will likely need to be replaced in the next 2-4 years.

Can I Retrofit My Older HVAC System to Use the Newer A2L Refrigerants?

No. Refrigerants operate at different pressures. An R-22 or R-410A air conditioning or heat pump system will not be calibrated to use A2L. Buying a new system would be much more cost-effective when your old equipment no longer works.

Q: What Is the New Refrigerant? I Heard It Is Flammable. Is It Safe?

This refrigerant is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors but also mildly flammable. You can rest assured our Mason Pro Services technicians know how to handle it safely.

Q: Will I Be Able to Get the Old refrigerant for My Current System? 

You can count on us to continue servicing all older HVAC systems containing R-22 and R-410A refrigerants. But keep in mind that only a limited supply of R-22 is available, driving up the cost.

R-410A will be available for current and new systems that use this refrigerant if they need repair. Supplies likely will last well beyond the 15-year phasedown.

If you need a new unit, buy it this year. There should be enough R-410A to last the life of your system.

You can save money immediately on utility bills by upgrading today to a high-efficiency system. Plus, you’ll pay less in purchasing costs.

Call Chandler’s Top HVAC Company

Mason Pro Services is the go-to heating and cooling company in Mesa, AZ, and all the surrounding areas. We can answer all your questions about changes in the HVAC industry and how they affect your home. Call us today at (480) 422-6773 or request service online.