The Refrigerant Shift: From R-410A and R-22 to R-32 and R-454B

The HVAC industry is in the middle of a major transition, moving away from high global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants like R-410A and R-22 toward more environmentally friendly options such as R-32 and R-454B. If you are buying a new air conditioner or heat pump, here is what the shift means for you as an Ontario homeowner.

Why the Change?

The driver is environmental. R-22, common in older systems, was phased out because it depletes the ozone layer. Its successor, R-410A, is ozone-friendly but carries a high GWP of 2,088 — meaning a large climate impact per kilogram if it leaks.

In Canada, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are controlled and being phased down under the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (SOR/2016-137), in line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. That international agreement is why manufacturers worldwide — and here in Canada — are shifting to lower-GWP refrigerants in new equipment.

Introducing R-32 and R-454B

Two refrigerants are leading the transition in residential systems:

• R-32 — a single-component refrigerant with a GWP of 675, about 30% lower than R-410A. It is energy efficient and easier to recycle thanks to its single-component makeup.
• R-454B — a GWP of about 466, roughly 78% lower than R-410A, while closely matching R-410A’s performance, which makes it a strong fit for new systems.

Both are dramatically lower-impact than the refrigerant they replace.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you have an existing R-410A system

Your current system can still be serviced. But as production winds down, R-410A is expected to get more expensive over time, so a leaky old unit may become costly to keep recharging.

If you are buying new

New systems sold today use low-GWP refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B. You get the environmental benefit and, often, improved energy efficiency — no action needed on your part beyond choosing modern equipment.

Important: these are not drop-in replacements

You cannot simply swap R-32 or R-454B into an R-410A system. These refrigerants behave differently and require equipment engineered specifically for them. Switching means new equipment, not a refill.

What It Means for Your Buying Decision

If your current AC still uses R-22, that alone is a strong reason to consider replacement — recharges are expensive and hard to source. Our guide on when to upgrade your air conditioner covers the warning signs, and for a Canada-specific look at the 2026 buying picture, see what the R-410A phase-down means for Ontario buyers.

The takeaway: a new AC or heat pump bought today already uses a low-GWP refrigerant like R-32 or R-454B — and because they aren’t drop-in replacements for R-410A, the shift is a reason to plan a full system upgrade rather than keep recharging an old one.

Thinking about a new system? Compare your options in heat pump vs. air conditioner, then book a free consultation or explore our air conditioner installation service. We will help you choose equipment that meets current regulations and fits your home.