Attention, technicians! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented a long-term phase-out of R-410A refrigerant. Soon, it will no longer be available for purchase.
If you're replacing R-410A in a customer's HVAC system for the first time, you're likely wondering about the costs. Learn more about these costs and explore alternative options as R-410A becomes phased out.
What is the cost of R-410A refrigerant?
According to EPA regulations, homeowners cannot purchase R-410A or any other type of refrigerant. An EPA certification is required for any purchase. As an EPA-certified technician, you can purchase refrigerant on behalf of your company. But what is the cost?
Purchasing cylinders of R-410A can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more. That's about $50 to $80 per pound. Some estimates are slightly lower, suggesting prices of $40 to $75 per pound.
Even if you purchase the refrigerant yourself, you'll likely be reimbursed by your employer. However, if you're self-employed, you'll need to include this cost in your business expenses.
Is R-410A an expensive refrigerant?
R-410A is not the most expensive refrigerant on the market. That title likely belongs to R-22, which is highly dangerous to the environment and has been banned since 2020.
To help you compare different types of refrigerants, see the table below.
| Refrigerant Type |
Use |
Cost per container |
| R-454B |
R-410A replacement for air conditioning |
$400 to $650 |
| R-32 |
Refrigerant for air conditioning, considered organic |
$255 to $360 |
| R-22 |
No longer used; was used for air conditioning |
$119 to $845 |
As you can see, R-22 is more expensive than R-410A. The other two options are significantly less expensive.
Why should HVAC technicians stop using R-410A?
If you're not yet convinced to stop using R-410A for your customers' air conditioning systems, these arguments might change your mind.
- Better for the environment: The global warming potential (GWP) of R-410A is 2088. GWP measures the amount of greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere when a substance is used. Other refrigerants have a lower GWP, such as R-454A, an alternative to R-410A.
- No negative impact on your customers: Your customers don't know the difference between R-22, R-4120A or R-454A, unless they are very knowledgeable about refrigerants. They are mainly concerned with the proper functioning of their air conditioners.
- High cost: R-410A replacements are not cheap. Even if you are reimbursed, it takes time. Other refrigerants are more economical.
- Increasingly difficult to find: R-410A will become increasingly rare as the phase-out progresses.
- There are better options: Other types of refrigerants, such as Opteon XL40 or R454-A, offer performance equal to or better than R-410A while having a much lower GWP.
- It's the law: You cannot ignore the changes made by the EPA regarding the types of refrigerants allowed.
In conclusion, the future belongs to more environmentally friendly refrigerants. By anticipating this evolution, you will position your business as a responsible and forward-thinking player.
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