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R-22 is already banned. R-410A is being phased out. Here's what Vermont homeowners need to know about the transition to R-454B and R-32 — and why it's actually good news.
R-22 phasedown begins
R-22 production banned
New R-410A equipment banned
85% HFC reduction target
Check the nameplate on your outdoor unit — it lists the refrigerant type. Or use the age of your system as a guide:
Quick Check
Production and import banned since January 1, 2020.
Common In
AC/HP installed before 2010
Impact
Repair costs $100-$300 per pound. Typical recharge: $500-$1,500. Supply shrinking every year.
What To Do
Replace system immediately. Your repair costs will only increase.
EPA AIM Act mandates 85% HFC production reduction by 2036. New equipment banned from using R-410A as of Jan 1, 2025.
Common In
AC/HP installed 2010-2024
Impact
Current systems still work. Repair refrigerant available but prices rising. New systems use R-454B or R-32.
What To Do
Plan replacement within 3-5 years. No rush, but don't invest in major R-410A repairs.
Low-GWP replacement for R-410A. Used by Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, and others.
Common In
New systems 2025+
Impact
Standard for most new systems in 2025+. Similar performance to R-410A at lower environmental impact.
What To Do
This is what most new Vermont heat pumps will use.
Lower-GWP alternative used by Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and other Asian manufacturers.
Common In
New systems 2024+
Impact
Excellent cold-climate performance. Many Vermont-popular brands (Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating, Fujitsu XLTH) use R-32.
What To Do
Great choice for Vermont — proven in cold climates.
Vermont's Climate Zone 6 (~7,200 HDD) demands cold-climate certified heat pumps. The good news: the new refrigerants perform as well or better in extreme cold.
Both R-454B and R-32 are classified as A2L (mildly flammable). This sounds concerning but in practice it means almost nothing for homeowners. A2L refrigerants require a very specific concentration AND an ignition source to burn — conditions that essentially never occur in residential installations. Your installer follows updated safety codes, but from your perspective, there's no practical safety difference from R-410A.
R-22 has been banned since 2020. Every year, repair costs increase as supply dwindles. A single R-22 recharge now costs $500-$1,500. That money is better spent toward a new system with Efficiency Vermont rebates.
R-22 Recharge Cost
$500-$1,500
New HP (after rebates)
$3,000-$6,000
Annual Savings
$800-$2,500
Your system works fine today. R-410A repair refrigerant will be available for years. But don't invest in major repairs ($1,500+) on an R-410A system — that money is better spent toward a new R-454B/R-32 system.
You're on the current-generation refrigerant. Your system will be fully supported for its entire 15-20 year lifespan with affordable repair parts and refrigerant. No action needed.
Upgrading from R-22 or R-410A to a new cold-climate heat pump? Efficiency Vermont and your utility offer substantial rebates.
System Cost
$14,000
Efficiency VT
-$1,200
GMP Bonus
-$600
Net Cost
$12,200
Income-eligible GMP customers save an additional $2,000, bringing net cost to ~$10,200.
Not yet for existing systems. Your current R-410A heat pump or AC will continue to work normally. However, as of January 1, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce new equipment using R-410A. Repair refrigerant remains available but prices are rising as production decreases under the EPA AIM Act.
Check the nameplate on your outdoor unit — it lists the refrigerant type. Systems installed before 2010 likely use R-22. Systems installed 2010-2024 typically use R-410A. If you can't find it, your HVAC technician can identify it during a service call.
Yes. R-454B is classified as A2L (mildly flammable), which means it's extremely difficult to ignite under normal conditions. It requires a specific concentration and ignition source that don't exist in residential settings. Installation follows updated safety standards, but from a homeowner's perspective, there's no practical safety difference from R-410A.
If your R-410A system is working well and under 8-10 years old, there's no urgency to replace. R-410A repair refrigerant will be available for years. However, if your system needs major repairs ($1,500+), it makes more sense to upgrade to a new R-454B or R-32 system and take advantage of Efficiency Vermont rebates.
Both perform well in cold climates. R-32 has a slight edge in some cold-climate models (Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating uses R-32 and operates to -13°F). R-454B is used by Carrier and Lennox cold-climate lines. The bigger factor is the specific model's cold-climate rating rather than the refrigerant type.
Efficiency Vermont's qualified product list is increasingly shifting to R-454B and R-32 systems. While some R-410A models may still qualify through existing inventory, new models being added to the list use low-GWP refrigerants. Choosing R-454B or R-32 ensures you're eligible for current and future rebate programs.
Get a free quote for a cold-climate heat pump with R-454B or R-32 refrigerant. Efficiency Vermont rebates available.