Why the Change Happened
Under the federal AIM Act, manufacturers stopped producing and importing new R-410A residential systems as of January 1, 2025. R-410A has a very high global warming potential (GWP), so the industry moved to lower-GWP alternatives. For ductless mini splits, the standard replacement is R-32.
R-410A vs R-32 vs R-454B
| Refrigerant | GWP | Status |
|---|---|---|
| R-410A | ∼2,088 (high) | Phased out for new equipment |
| R-32 | ∼675 (much lower) | Standard for new mini splits |
| R-454B | ∼466 (lowest) | Common in new ducted systems |
What It Means If You’re Buying Now
- New mini splits use R-32 — buying now means you’re on the current, future-proof refrigerant.
- Better efficiency and lower environmental impact over the system’s life.
- You cannot swap R-32 into an R-410A system — they’re not interchangeable.
Already Have an R-410A System?
No need to panic. Existing R-410A systems are fine to keep running and can still be serviced — R-410A remains legal for servicing existing equipment. Just note that as supply tightens, service refrigerant costs are expected to rise over time.
Bottom line: if you’re buying new, an R-32 mini split is the right, current choice. If your R-410A system runs well, keep it — just plan for rising service costs down the road.
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