2026 Update: R410A Is Now Being Phased Out Too
This article was originally written about the R22 phaseout. But now York County homeowners face a new refrigerant transition. R410AÂ the refrigerant that replaced R22 is now being phased out as well. Starting in 2025 manufacturers began transitioning to R454B also known as Puron Advance as the new standard refrigerant for residential AC systems.
Here is what this means for York County homeowners:
If your AC uses R22 — your system is very old and replacement is strongly recommended. R22 is no longer manufactured and is extremely expensive when available.
If your AC uses R410A your system is still serviceable. R410A will remain available for existing systems for years to come. However if your system needs replacement it will be replaced with a newer R454B system.
If you have questions about your refrigerant type call Air Comfort Technologies at (717) 855-4101. We can identify your refrigerant type and give you honest advice on whether repair or replacement makes sense for your specific system and budget.
What Is R22 Refrigerant and Why Was It Phased Out?
Since the HVAC industry phased out R22 Freon in 2010 the coolant has become more expensive each year. The EPA implemented a years long phaseout of R22 nearly 30 years ago. The coolant was found to be very harmful to the environment so manufacturers now use R410A and more recently R454B.
Here is how the R22 phaseout played out:
In 1996 air conditioner manufacturers began using either R22 or R410A. In 2010 manufacturers completely stopped making ACs using R22. Every model from then on used R410A. In the same year R22 production began decreasing. In 2020 all R22 production ceased in the United States and it is also illegal to import it.
Today there is still some reclaimed R22 available but it is not always easy to find and it is very expensive typically $150-$200 per pound compared to R410A which costs around $80 per pound.
How Do I Know What Refrigerant My AC Uses?
You can tell if your AC uses R22 or R410A by checking the data plate on your outdoor unit. It will list the refrigerant type clearly. You can also look up the system specs online or call Air Comfort Technologies at (717) 855-4101 and we will identify your refrigerant type during a service call throughout York County PA.
As a general guide: Any unit made before 1996 uses R22. Anything between 1996 and 2010 could use either — check the data plate. If your AC was built after 2010 it uses R410A. If your AC was built after 2025 it uses R454B.
Do I Need to Replace My AC If It Uses R22?
You do not need to replace an old air conditioner that uses R22 if it is still working. But you may need a new one if you have a refrigerant leak. Even though Air Comfort Technologies can do a recharge the price of R22 often outweighs the value, especially if the system is nearing the end of its life anyway.
If your R22 system develops a leak here is how to think about it. Multiply the age of your system by the repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000 replacement is usually the better investment. For example a 15 year old system with a $500 repair equals $7,500 replacement makes more sense.
What About R410A — Do I Need to Worry?
If your AC uses R410A you do not need to panic. R410A will remain available for servicing existing systems for many years even as new systems transition to R454B. You can still have your R410A system repaired and serviced normally by Air Comfort Technologies throughout York County PA.
However if your R410A system is older than 12-15 years consider planning for replacement before it fails unexpectedly. New systems using R454B are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than older R410A systems.
What Is R454B and Should I Upgrade?
R454B also known as Puron Advance is the new standard refrigerant for residential AC systems manufactured in 2025 and beyond. It has a significantly lower global warming potential than R410A while maintaining similar performance and efficiency.
If you are planning to replace your AC system in York County PA in 2026 your new system will use R454B. Air Comfort Technologies installs new Trane and Mitsubishi systems using the latest refrigerant technology throughout York County PA. As a Trane Comfort Specialist and Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor we stay current on all refrigerant transitions and can answer any questions you have about your specific system.
What York County Homeowners Should Do Right Now
If you have an older AC system in York County PA here is what Air Comfort Technologies recommends:
Check your refrigerant type. Look at the data plate on your outdoor unit. It will list the refrigerant type — R22, R410A or R454B.
If you have R22 — start planning for replacement. R22 refrigerant costs $150-$200 per pound making repairs extremely expensive. A new R410A or R454B system will save you significantly on both refrigerant costs and energy bills.
If you have R410A don’t panic. Your system can still be repaired and serviced normally. R410A will remain available for existing systems. However if your system is older than 12-15 years consider planning for replacement before it fails unexpectedly.
If you have R454B you have a newer system. R454B is the current standard refrigerant and will be available for the foreseeable future.
Air Comfort Technologies serves all of York County including York, Dover, Hanover, Red Lion, Shrewsbury, Stewartstown, Columbia, Spring Grove, New Freedom and Manchester. Call (717) 855-4101 for same day AC repair and honest advice on your AC refrigerant and whether repair or replacement makes sense for your home and budget.
Contact Air Comfort Technologies for AC Refrigerant Service in York County PA
If you suspect a refrigerant problem with your AC in York County PA call Air Comfort Technologies at (717) 855-4101. We offer same day AC repair and refrigerant service throughout York County PA. Our technicians are EPA certified and can identify your refrigerant type, diagnose leaks and give you honest recommendations on repair vs replacement.
As a Trane Comfort Specialist and Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor with 4.9 stars and 413 Google reviews we are York County’s highest rated HVAC company. We serve York, Dover, Hanover, Red Lion, Shrewsbury, Stewartstown, Columbia, Spring Grove, New Freedom and Manchester. Call (717) 855-4101 or contact us online today.
