What is Refrigerant?
Plain-English explanation from a licensed Utah HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractor.
Refrigerant is the working fluid inside an AC or heat pump — it absorbs heat indoors and releases it outdoors as it cycles between liquid and gas states.
Full Definition
Refrigerant is a special chemical compound that changes state between liquid and gas at strategically chosen temperatures and pressures, allowing it to move heat across the refrigerant cycle. R-22 (Freon) was phased out in 2020. R-410A was the dominant residential refrigerant from 2010–2024 but is being phased down because of its high GWP (global warming potential). Starting January 1, 2025, new residential equipment in the U.S. uses lower-GWP refrigerants like R-454B or R-32.
If your AC is more than 15 years old it probably uses R-22, which costs $80–$150 per pound and isn't economical to recharge — better to plan a system replacement. R-410A systems installed 2010–2024 will still be serviceable for their full lifespan with R-410A still being recovered and reused.
Common Questions
Is R-410A being banned?
Not banned — but new equipment manufactured after Jan 1, 2025 must use lower-GWP refrigerants. Existing R-410A systems can be serviced and recharged with reclaimed R-410A for many years to come.
How can I tell what refrigerant my AC uses?
Check the metal data plate on the outdoor condenser unit. It lists the refrigerant type (e.g., R-410A) and the factory charge weight.
Recent HVAC work in Utah
A few installs and service calls from the AYSP crew.
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