New AC Refrigerants (R-454B & R-32): What San Antonio Homeowners Should Know Before Replacing

If you've started shopping for a new air conditioner, you may have heard that the refrigerant inside AC systems is changing. It's a real change across the industry, but it's simpler than it sounds. Here's what San Antonio homeowners need to know.

A Quick History: R-22, R-410A, and Now R-454B & R-32

R-22 (often called Freon) was the standard for decades and was phased out because it harms the ozone layer. R-410A replaced it and has been used in most systems installed over the last 15 years or so. Now, under federal rules meant to reduce greenhouse gases, manufacturers have moved new residential systems to lower-impact refrigerants, mainly R-454B and R-32.

Does My Current System Have to Be Replaced?

No. If your R-410A system is working well, you can keep using it, and it can still be serviced. The change affects what goes into new equipment, not systems that are already installed.

If your system still uses R-22, it's a different story. R-22 is no longer produced, so recharging an old system is expensive, and those systems are usually 15 years old or more. In most cases, replacement is the better investment.

Why It Matters When You Replace

• Matched equipment: The new refrigerants aren't designed to mix with older equipment, so the outdoor unit and indoor coil should be replaced together as a matched system.
• Line sets: We check whether your existing refrigerant lines can be reused safely or need to be replaced.
• Trained installers: R-454B and R-32 are classified as mildly flammable (called "A2L"), so they come with updated installation and safety requirements. Proper installation matters.
• Efficiency: Newer systems are built to today's efficiency standards (SEER2), so they generally cost less to run than the system you're replacing.

Are the New Refrigerants Safe?

Yes. A2L refrigerants are much less flammable than they sound, and new systems are built with safety features designed for them. Millions of systems using these refrigerants are already in use around the world. What matters most is a correct installation by a licensed contractor.

Should You Repair or Replace?

If your system is young and uses R-410A, repair is often the smart move. If it's old, uses R-22, or needs frequent repairs, it's usually time to replace. See how long AC units last in San Antonio and repair vs. replacement for help deciding.