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R-410A has been removed from the Mass Save qualified equipment list. Every new heat pump installed in Massachusetts now uses R-32 or R-454B. Here is what you need to know before your next installation.
Last updated February 2026
2026 Update: The federal 25C heat pump tax credit expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for heat pumps in 2026. Mass Save rebates and HEAR program funds remain available. Current heat pump incentives
Starting in 2026, heat pumps using R-410A refrigerant are no longer eligible for Mass Save rebates. This is part of the broader EPA AIM Act phase-down of high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.
GWP of 2,088 — each pound traps 2,088x more heat than CO2
EPA AIM Act mandates 40% reduction in HFC use by 2028
Massachusetts leading the transition through Mass Save policy
All major manufacturers have already transitioned to alternatives
Your existing R-410A system is fine — keep using it
R-410A refrigerant is still available for servicing and repairs
You are NOT required to replace a working R-410A system
This only affects NEW equipment installations going forward
Bottom line: If you are buying a new heat pump in 2026, it will use R-32 or R-454B. If you already have an R-410A system, nothing changes for you until it is time to replace your equipment.
Both R-32 and R-454B are approved replacements for R-410A. Both meet EPA AIM Act requirements, both are safe for residential use, and both qualify for Mass Save rebates.
Global Warming Potential
2,088
Very High
Safety Classification
A1 (Non-flammable)
Mass Save Status
Removed from Mass Save qualified list
Global Warming Potential
675
Medium
Safety Classification
A2L (Mildly flammable)
Mass Save Status
Mass Save qualified
Major Brands
Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG, Daikin
Global Warming Potential
466
Low
Safety Classification
A2L (Mildly flammable)
Mass Save Status
Mass Save qualified
Major Brands
Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Bosch
Higher energy efficiency in many applications
Lower refrigerant charge needed per system
Dominant in ductless mini-split systems
Proven track record — used globally since 2013
Lower GWP (466 vs 675) — better for climate
Near drop-in replacement for R-410A systems
Dominant in ducted central heat pump systems
Lower operating pressure reduces component stress
Here are the most popular heat pump models available in Massachusetts in 2026 and the refrigerant each uses.
| Brand | Model | Refrigerant | Type | Cold Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | Hyper-Heat (H2i) | R-32 | Ductless / Ducted Mini-Split | |
| Fujitsu | XLTH Series | R-32 | Ductless Mini-Split | |
| LG | Red Series | R-32 | Ductless / Multi-Zone | |
| Daikin | FIT / Altherma | R-32 | Ducted / Air-to-Water | |
| Carrier | Greenspeed | R-454B | Ducted Central | |
| Bosch | IDS 2.0 | R-454B | Ducted Central | |
| Lennox | XP25 | R-454B | Ducted Central | Standard |
| Trane | XV20i | R-454B | Ducted Central | Standard |
Hyper-Heat (H2i)
Ductless / Ducted Mini-Split
XLTH Series
Ductless Mini-Split
Red Series
Ductless / Multi-Zone
FIT / Altherma
Ducted / Air-to-Water
Greenspeed
Ducted Central
IDS 2.0
Ducted Central
XP25
Ducted Central
XV20i
Ducted Central
Pattern: Ductless mini-split manufacturers (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG, Daikin) have largely standardized on R-32. Ducted central heat pump manufacturers (Carrier, Bosch, Lennox, Trane) have standardized on R-454B. Both are excellent choices.
The refrigerant transition does not significantly change what you pay. Here is the reality for each cost category.
No significant change
R-32 and R-454B models priced similarly to former R-410A models
Newer models often have higher SEER2/HSPF2 ratings, providing better value
Mass Save rebates up to $10,000 apply to both refrigerant types
Minimal change
Technicians need A2L certification — already widespread in MA
Installation process is nearly identical to R-410A systems
Slightly different brazing and handling procedures, same labor time
Comparable costs
R-32 and R-454B refrigerant pricing is similar to R-410A
Replacement parts availability is strong from all major manufacturers
Warranty coverage remains standard 5-10 years from most brands
Both R-32 and R-454B are classified as A2L, which means "mildly flammable." This sounds concerning but is well understood and managed.
A2L requires a high-energy ignition source — cannot ignite from a match or lighter
Flame propagation is very slow compared to highly flammable substances
Concentration must reach a specific threshold before any risk exists
Normal residential use never approaches flammable concentrations
R-32 and R-454B are less flammable than propane (used in millions of grills)
Refrigerant leak detection sensors in every indoor unit
Automatic shutoff valves that close if a leak is detected
Self-diagnostic systems that alert homeowners and technicians
Ventilation controls that activate automatically during a leak event
UL-certified safety testing exceeds residential use requirements
No special requirements for homeowners. You do not need additional ventilation, special detectors, or any modifications to your home. The safety features are built into the equipment. Millions of homes in Japan, Europe, and Australia have used A2L refrigerant systems for over a decade with an excellent safety record.
If you already own an R-410A heat pump or air conditioner, there is no emergency and no immediate action needed. Here is the timeline.
Your R-410A system works fine. Continue using it normally. There is no performance change or safety concern.
R-410A refrigerant remains available for recharges and repairs. Your HVAC tech can service your system as usual.
Your system reaches end of life (typically 15-20 years). R-410A refrigerant may cost more as supply decreases.
When you replace your system, the new unit will use R-32 or R-454B. Your technician handles the full transition.
One thing to watch: R-410A refrigerant prices may rise over the next several years as production decreases. If your system frequently needs recharges (indicating a leak), it may make financial sense to replace sooner rather than paying for increasingly expensive refrigerant top-ups.
R-410A is not banned outright, but it has been removed from the Mass Save qualified equipment list effective 2026. This means new heat pump installations using R-410A will not qualify for Mass Save rebates. You can still service and recharge existing R-410A systems.
Yes. Both R-32 and R-454B carry an A2L safety classification, meaning they are mildly flammable only under very specific conditions. Modern heat pumps using these refrigerants have built-in safety features including leak detection sensors, automatic shutoff valves, and ventilation controls. Millions of homes worldwide already use A2L refrigerant systems safely.
Equipment pricing for R-32 and R-454B models is comparable to what R-410A models cost. In some cases, the higher efficiency of newer models offsets any marginal cost difference. Installation costs are similar because A2L training for technicians is already widespread. Servicing and refrigerant recharge costs are also comparable.
GWP stands for Global Warming Potential, a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps relative to CO2 over 100 years. R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, meaning each pound released traps 2,088 times more heat than a pound of CO2. R-32 at 675 and R-454B at 466 are dramatically better for the climate. The EPA AIM Act mandates this transition nationwide.
No. Your existing R-410A heat pump is fine for the rest of its useful life, typically 15 to 20 years. R-410A refrigerant will remain available for servicing and repairs. There is no requirement to replace a working system. When your system eventually needs replacement, the new unit will use R-32 or R-454B.
Neither is definitively better. R-454B has a lower GWP (466 vs 675), while R-32 systems tend to use less refrigerant charge per unit. Both meet EPA AIM Act requirements and both are safe for residential use. The choice typically comes down to which heat pump brand and configuration best fits your home. Ductless mini-splits tend to use R-32, while ducted central systems tend to use R-454B.
Yes. R-32 and R-454B systems are on the Mass Save qualified equipment list. The rebate amounts remain the same as before: up to $10,000 for whole-home heat pump conversions and up to $16,000 for income-eligible households through the HEAR program. Only R-410A equipment has been removed from the qualified list.
The federal 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired on December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit available for heat pumps purchased in 2026, regardless of which refrigerant they use. Focus on Mass Save rebates and the HEAR program for financial incentives.
Technicians need A2L-specific certification to work with R-32 and R-454B. This training is already widely available and most certified HVAC contractors in Massachusetts have completed it. When choosing an installer, verify they have A2L certification. All NuWatt technicians are A2L certified.
The EPA AIM Act mandates a nationwide phase-down of high-GWP refrigerants. Massachusetts, through Mass Save policy, is among the first states to enforce this at the rebate level. By 2025-2026, all major manufacturers have transitioned their new product lines to R-32 or R-454B. This is a national transition that Massachusetts is leading.
Every heat pump we install in 2026 uses R-32 or R-454B. We will recommend the right system for your home, handle the Mass Save rebate paperwork, and ensure proper A2L installation.
Which heat pumps perform best in Massachusetts winters? Brand comparison and sizing guide.
Read moreComplete guide to Mass Save rebates, HEAR program, and income-eligible incentives.
Read moreWhat to look for in an installer, including A2L certification and Mass Save partnership.
Read moreRefrigerant data: EPA AIM Act final rule, ASHRAE 34 safety classifications.
Mass Save: Qualified equipment list updates, February 2026.
GWP values: IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) 100-year values.
Equipment models: Manufacturer specification sheets, January-February 2026.