The AC Refrigerant Change: What Broward Homeowners Need to Know

What Changed and When

The EPA’s Technology Transitions Rule, issued under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, requires an 85 percent cut in high-impact HFC refrigerants by 2036. As of January 1, 2025, new residential air conditioners and heat pumps can no longer be manufactured using refrigerants with a global warming potential above 700. R-410A, with a GWP of 2,088, no longer qualifies for new equipment.

The two replacements you will hear about: R-454B (GWP about 465), used by Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, and Johnson Controls, and R-32 (GWP 675), used by Daikin. Both are mildly flammable (ASHRAE class A2L), so new equipment includes factory leak-detection sensors and mitigation controls. Lennox explains the R-454B transition here.

Is My Current AC Still Legal and Repairable?

Yes, completely. The rules apply only to newly manufactured equipment. There is no recall, no forced replacement, and no ban on servicing existing R-410A systems. Your current system can be repaired and recharged for years to come.

Why Recharging Is Getting More Expensive

R-410A production is restricted under the phasedown, so supply is tightening and prices are rising, especially for leak repairs that require adding significant refrigerant. A small top-off is one thing; a system that needs pounds of refrigerant every season is a sign the money is better spent on replacement. This is where the refrigerant change enters the repair-or-replace math.

Can My R-410A System Be Converted to R-454B?

No. The refrigerants require different compressor tolerances, expansion valves, operating pressures, and lubricants, and A2L equipment needs leak-detection hardware that R-410A systems lack. Attempting a conversion would damage the compressor, void the warranty, and create a safety hazard. When an R-410A system reaches end of life, it must be replaced with equipment designed for the new refrigerant. The good news: your existing ductwork and electrical usually do not need changes.

What If My System Is 15+ Years Old?

Systems that old may still use R-22, which was phased out of production years ago and is now extremely expensive. If you have an R-22 system, replacement is almost always the right call. Our post on how often to service your AC covers keeping older systems alive as long as they make sense.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

• Which refrigerant does this equipment use, and what does the nameplate say?
• Does the installer have current A2L handling training?
• Who pulls the Broward County mechanical permit?
• What are the warranty terms on the compressor and parts?

If you are weighing a new installation, we install current-refrigerant equipment and will walk you through the options honestly. Call (954) 203-8426 for a straight answer about your specific system.