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Get a Free QuoteR-22 is already illegal. R-410A is being phased out nationwide. Every new heat pump and AC system in New Jersey now uses R-32 or R-454B. NJ Whole Home rebates up to $7,500 make upgrading from older refrigerants more affordable than ever.
Last updated March 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. NJ Whole Home rebates (up to $7,500) and utility rebates remain available. Current NJ heat pump rebates
New Jersey homeowners are affected by two separate phase-outs. R-22 (Freon) is already banned. R-410A is being phased down under the EPA AIM Act. Here is the full timeline.
R-22 production and import banned in the US
EPA AIM Act begins phasing down R-410A production
Major manufacturers transition new models to R-32 / R-454B
EPA mandates 40% reduction in HFC production/consumption
Production and import banned January 1, 2020
Only reclaimed R-22 available — prices often $100-$200/lb
A single recharge can cost $500-$1,500
Also depletes the ozone layer (unlike R-410A)
If your system uses R-22, replacement is strongly recommended
EPA AIM Act mandates 40% production reduction by 2028
All major manufacturers have moved new lines to R-32/R-454B
Existing R-410A systems are fine — keep using them
R-410A refrigerant remains available for servicing
Prices may rise as production decreases over time
Bottom line for NJ homeowners: If you have an R-22 system, upgrading saves money immediately (no more expensive Freon recharges). If you have R-410A, there is no rush — upgrade when the system reaches end of life.
Four refrigerants NJ homeowners need to understand. Two are being phased out, two are the approved replacements that qualify for NJ Clean Energy rebates.
GWP
1,810
Very High
Safety
A1 (Non-flammable)
Ozone depleting
Status
Banned — production/import illegal since 2020
GWP
2,088
Very High
Safety
A1 (Non-flammable)
Status
Phasing out — no longer in new equipment lines
GWP
675
Medium
Safety
A2L (Mildly flammable)
Status
NJ Clean Energy qualified
Major Brands
Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG, Daikin
GWP
466
Low
Safety
A2L (Mildly flammable)
Status
NJ Clean Energy 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
Replacing an old R-22 or aging R-410A system with a modern heat pump using R-32 or R-454B qualifies for significant NJ incentives. No federal tax credit is available in 2026.
New Jersey's flagship heat pump rebate program. Available to all NJ homeowners replacing heating/cooling systems with qualifying heat pumps.
Maximum Rebate
$7,500
Graduated: $2,000 base + $200 per TES%
Requirement
BPI-Certified
Must use BPI-certified installer
Eligible Refrigerants
R-32 / R-454B
All new qualified equipment
| Utility | HP Rebate | Coverage Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSE&G | $900 | Northern & Central NJ (~70%) | Instant discount at point of sale |
| JCP&L | $500–$1,000 | Central & Western NJ | Tiered by system efficiency |
| ACE | $1,300 | Southern NJ / Shore | Atlantic City Electric service area |
| RECO | $1,400 | Bergen County (NW corner) | Orange & Rockland territory |
Northern & Central NJ (~70%)
Instant discount at point of sale
Central & Western NJ
Tiered by system efficiency
Southern NJ / Shore
Atlantic City Electric service area
Bergen County (NW corner)
Orange & Rockland territory
Example: A PSE&G customer replacing an R-22 central AC with a Carrier Greenspeed (R-454B) heat pump could receive $7,500 (NJ Whole Home) + $900 (PSE&G) = $8,400 in total rebates. At NJ's average electric rate of $0.26/kWh, the heat pump also cuts cooling costs versus the old system. See full NJ cost breakdown
Here are the most popular heat pump models available in New Jersey in 2026 and the refrigerant each uses. NJ falls in climate zones 4-5, so cold-climate rated models are recommended for reliable winter heating.
| 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 standardized on R-32. Ducted central heat pump manufacturers (Carrier, Bosch, Lennox, Trane) have standardized on R-454B. Ducted vs ductless for NJ homes
The refrigerant transition does not significantly change what you pay for a new system. However, holding onto an R-22 system is getting expensive.
No significant change
R-32 and R-454B models priced similarly to R-410A predecessors
Newer models often have higher SEER2/HSPF2 ratings
NJ Whole Home rebates up to $7,500 apply to both refrigerant types
Minimal change
Technicians need A2L certification — already widespread in NJ
Installation process nearly identical to R-410A systems
Same labor time, slightly different brazing procedures
Increasingly expensive
R-22 now $100-$200 per pound (reclaimed only)
A typical recharge costs $500-$1,500
Multiple recharges often signal a leak — replacement time
Both R-32 and R-454B are classified as A2L, which means "mildly flammable." This sounds concerning but is well understood and managed.
Requires a high-energy ignition source — not a match or lighter
Flame propagation is very slow compared to flammable substances
Concentration must reach a specific threshold before any risk
Normal residential use never approaches flammable concentrations
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
UL-certified safety testing exceeds residential requirements
No special requirements for NJ 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.
Stop paying for R-22 recharges
At $100-$200/lb, each recharge delays the inevitable and wastes money.
Get quotes for a heat pump upgrade
A modern heat pump replaces both your AC and furnace in one system.
Apply for NJ Whole Home + utility rebate
Up to $7,500 + utility rebate cuts the upfront cost significantly.
Enjoy lower bills and better comfort
Modern heat pumps are 2-3x more efficient than R-22 systems from the 2000s.
No action needed now
Your system works fine. Continue using it normally for its full lifespan.
Service as needed
R-410A refrigerant remains available for recharges and repairs.
Watch prices over 5-15 years
R-410A may cost more as production decreases. Factor this into repair decisions.
Replace when ready
When your system reaches end of life, the replacement will use R-32 or R-454B.
When R-410A recharges stop making sense: If your R-410A system frequently needs refrigerant top-ups (indicating a leak), the cost of repeated recharges may exceed the cost of replacing the system — especially with NJ Whole Home rebates available. Check current NJ pricing
R-22 (Freon) production and import was banned in the US in 2020. Reclaimed R-22 is still available from certified suppliers, but prices have risen dramatically — often $100 to $200 per pound. If your system uses R-22, a recharge can cost $500 to $1,500. At that price point, replacing the system with a modern heat pump using R-32 or R-454B is usually more cost-effective, especially with NJ Whole Home rebates covering up to $7,500.
R-410A is not outright banned for existing systems. However, the EPA AIM Act is phasing down R-410A production, and all major manufacturers have transitioned new equipment lines to R-32 or R-454B. If you buy a new heat pump or central AC in 2026, it will almost certainly use one of these newer refrigerants. Your existing R-410A system is fine for its remaining useful life.
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.
New Jersey offers the NJ Whole Home program with up to $7,500 in rebates for heat pump installations. Additionally, your utility provides rebates: PSE&G offers $900, JCP&L $500 to $1,000, ACE $1,300, and RECO $1,400. These rebates apply to systems using R-32 or R-454B refrigerants. There is no federal tax credit for heat pumps in 2026 — the 25C credit expired December 31, 2025.
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-22 has a GWP of 1,810 and also depletes the ozone layer. R-410A has a GWP of 2,088. 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. Ductless mini-splits tend to use R-32, while ducted central systems tend to use R-454B. The best choice depends on your home configuration.
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 New Jersey have completed it. When choosing an installer, verify they have A2L certification. All NuWatt technicians are A2L certified.
Every heat pump we install in New Jersey uses R-32 or R-454B. We handle the NJ Whole Home rebate paperwork, coordinate your utility rebate, and ensure proper A2L installation.
Full pricing breakdown for heat pump installations in New Jersey.
Read moreNJ Whole Home, utility rebates, and income-eligible incentives.
Read moreWhich configuration works best for your New Jersey home.
Read moreCost comparison for NJ gas-dominant homes switching to heat pumps.
Read moreRefrigerant data: EPA AIM Act final rule, ASHRAE 34 safety classifications.
NJ Clean Energy: Whole Home program guidelines, NJ Board of Public Utilities.
GWP values: IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) 100-year values.
Equipment models: Manufacturer specification sheets, January-March 2026.
R-22 phase-out: EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI, Section 608.