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Get a Free QuoteR-22 is already banned. R-410A is being phased out under the EPA AIM Act. Every new heat pump sold in Rhode Island now uses R-32 or R-454B. With RI electricity at $0.29/kWh, upgrading to an efficient new-refrigerant system delivers real savings.
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. Clean Heat RI rebates remain the primary incentive. Current RI heat pump rebates
The transition away from high-GWP refrigerants is happening in stages. Here is where things stand for Rhode Island homeowners.
R-22 production and import banned in the US (EPA Clean Air Act)
CompletedEPA AIM Act begins phasing down HFC production (R-410A included)
In effectMajor manufacturers transition new product lines to R-32 / R-454B
CompletedEPA mandates 40% reduction in HFC production and consumption
UpcomingProduction and import ended January 1, 2020
Only reclaimed/recycled R-22 available at $100-200+ per pound
Systems older than 15 years likely use R-22
Continued repairs are increasingly expensive and impractical
EPA AIM Act mandates 40% HFC reduction by 2028
All major manufacturers have transitioned to alternatives
New equipment uses R-32 or R-454B — not R-410A
Existing R-410A systems remain serviceable for years
Bottom line: If you have R-22, upgrading now makes financial sense. If you have R-410A, your system is fine until it needs replacement. When you do replace, the new unit will use R-32 or R-454B and will qualify for Clean Heat RI rebates.
Understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision when it is time to repair or replace your system.
GWP
1,810
Very High
Safety
A1 (Non-flammable)
Ozone Depleting
Yes — depletes ozone layer
Status
Banned — production ended 2020
GWP
2,088
Very High
Safety
A1 (Non-flammable)
Ozone Depleting
No
Status
Phasing out — no longer in new equipment
GWP
675
Medium
Safety
A2L (Mildly flammable)
Ozone Depleting
No
Status
Current standard — qualifies for rebates
Major Brands
Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG, Daikin
GWP
466
Low
Safety
A2L (Mildly flammable)
Ozone Depleting
No
Status
Current standard — qualifies for rebates
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 Rhode Island in 2026 and the refrigerant each uses. Cold-climate models are important for RI winters.
| 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 manufacturers (Carrier, Bosch, Lennox, Trane) use R-454B. Both are excellent choices for Rhode Island homes.
Upgrading from an R-22 or aging R-410A system? Clean Heat RI offers some of the most generous rebates in New England. Every qualifying heat pump uses R-32 or R-454B.
Up to $11,500
Covers all Rhode Island households
Applied at point of sale — no waiting for reimbursement
Works with R-32 and R-454B heat pump systems
Includes both ducted and ductless installations
Up to $18,000
For households at or below 150% of federal poverty level
May cover full installation at no out-of-pocket cost
Same equipment options — R-32 or R-454B systems
Additional weatherization support may be available
Why RI rates make upgrading compelling: At $0.29/kWh, Rhode Island has some of the highest electricity rates in the country. Modern R-32 and R-454B heat pumps achieve SEER2 ratings of 20+ and HSPF2 of 10+, meaning every dollar of energy goes further. Paired with Clean Heat RI rebates, the economics strongly favor upgrading older R-22 and inefficient R-410A systems.
Full Clean Heat RI rebate guideThe refrigerant transition does not significantly change what you pay for new equipment. 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 have higher SEER2/HSPF2 ratings for better value
Clean Heat RI rebates (60-100%) reduce net cost substantially
Minimal change
Technicians need A2L certification — already common in RI
Installation process nearly identical to R-410A systems
Same labor time with slightly different handling procedures
Comparable costs
R-32 and R-454B refrigerant pricing similar to R-410A
Strong parts availability from all major manufacturers
Standard 5-10 year warranty coverage from most brands
Both R-32 and R-454B are classified as A2L — "mildly flammable." This sounds concerning but is well understood and safely managed.
Requires a high-energy ignition source — a match or lighter cannot ignite it
Flame propagation is very slow compared to flammable substances
Normal residential use never approaches flammable concentrations
Less flammable than propane (used in millions of outdoor grills)
Over a decade of safe use in Japan, Europe, and Australia
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 during a leak event
UL-certified safety testing exceeds residential requirements
No special requirements for homeowners. You do not need additional ventilation, special detectors, or any modifications to your home. Safety features are built into the equipment. Millions of homes worldwide use A2L systems safely.
Your action plan depends on which refrigerant your current system uses.
Plan to replace soon — R-22 costs $100-200+ per pound for recharges
Clean Heat RI covers 60% of a new system (up to $11,500)
Income-eligible? Up to 100% covered ($18,000 max)
New R-32/R-454B systems are dramatically more efficient
At $0.29/kWh, efficiency gains translate to real annual savings
No urgency — your system works fine for its remaining life
R-410A remains available for servicing and repairs
Watch: R-410A prices may rise as production decreases
If frequent recharges needed, consider replacing sooner
When you do replace, Clean Heat RI rebates will apply
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-22 production was banned in the US in 2020. Reclaimed and recycled R-22 is still available but increasingly expensive — often $100-200 per pound. If your system uses R-22, plan for a full replacement rather than continued recharges. Clean Heat RI rebates cover 60% of a new heat pump system (up to $11,500), making the upgrade significantly more affordable.
R-410A is not outright banned, but the EPA AIM Act is phasing down its production nationally. All major manufacturers have transitioned new equipment lines to R-32 or R-454B. If you buy a new heat pump in 2026, it will use one of these new refrigerants. Your existing R-410A system remains fine for its remaining useful life.
Yes. Both carry an A2L safety classification, meaning they are mildly flammable only under very specific conditions. Modern heat pumps include built-in leak detection sensors, automatic shutoff valves, and ventilation controls. Millions of homes worldwide use A2L systems safely. No special modifications to your home are required.
Equipment pricing for R-32 and R-454B models is comparable to what R-410A models cost. Clean Heat RI covers 60% of installed cost (up to $11,500 for standard households, $18,000 for income-eligible). With Rhode Island electricity at $0.29/kWh, modern heat pumps with higher efficiency ratings deliver meaningful energy savings.
GWP stands for Global Warming Potential — how much heat a greenhouse gas traps relative to CO2 over 100 years. R-22 has a GWP of 1,810, R-410A is 2,088, R-32 is 675, and R-454B is 466. Lower GWP means far less climate impact if refrigerant leaks. The EPA AIM Act mandates this transition nationwide.
No. Your R-410A system is fine for the rest of its useful life (typically 15-20 years). R-410A refrigerant remains available for servicing. When your system eventually needs replacement, the new unit will use R-32 or R-454B. There is no requirement to replace a working system.
Neither is definitively better. R-454B has lower GWP (466 vs 675), while R-32 systems use less refrigerant charge. Both meet EPA requirements and both are safe. Ductless mini-splits typically use R-32, while ducted central systems use R-454B. The choice depends on which system type fits your home.
Yes. Clean Heat RI rebates apply to qualifying heat pump installations regardless of whether the unit uses R-32 or R-454B. Standard rebates cover 60% of cost up to $11,500. Income-eligible households receive up to 100% coverage (max $18,000). All new heat pumps sold in 2026 use these next-generation refrigerants.
The federal 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for heat pumps in 2026. Focus on Clean Heat RI rebates for financial incentives — they remain the most substantial heat pump incentive available to Rhode Island homeowners.
Every heat pump we install in 2026 uses R-32 or R-454B. We handle Clean Heat RI rebate paperwork, ensure proper A2L installation, and help you maximize savings at Rhode Island electricity rates.
Complete guide to Clean Heat RI rebates, income-eligible coverage, and how to apply.
Read moreWhich heat pumps perform best in Rhode Island winters? Brand comparison and sizing guide.
Read moreWhat to look for in an RI installer, including A2L certification and Clean Heat RI experience.
Read moreRefrigerant data: EPA AIM Act final rule, ASHRAE 34 safety classifications.
Clean Heat RI: Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, rebate program guidelines 2026.
GWP values: IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) 100-year values.
Equipment models: Manufacturer specification sheets, January-March 2026.
Electricity rates: RI Energy standard service rate, March 2026.