Why Are We Replacing R-410A?
What is R-410A?
Forane® 410A Refrigerant (R-410A) is a near-azeotropic refrigerant mixture composed of two hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) R-32 and R-125, which does not deplete the ozone layer and is suitable for all types of air conditioners. Forane® 410A is widely used in new residential and light commercial air conditioning systems, heat pumps, dehumidifiers, chillers, and other HVAC applications.
Why are we moving away from R-410A?
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was enacted in December 2020. In October 2021 and 2022, the EPA issued a final rule (the Allowance Allocation Rule) that focuses on the first area – the phasedown of HFC production and consumption.Companies affected include those that use HFCs, especially in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, foams, aerosols, fire suppressants, or the six applications designated in the AIM Act as eligible for allowances.
In October 2021, the EPA granted several petitions asking for a GWP limit of 750 on refrigerants used in new residential and light commercial air conditioners as of January 1, 2025. Under the AIM Act, the agency has up to two years to issue a final regulation in those sectors. While the petitions as drafted would preclude the use of R-410A, we expect that the refrigerant will continue to be available to service existing units for some time. Forane® R-32 is a suitable replacement for R-410A.
Benefits of R-32 include:
- Low GWP (AR4 675)
- Higher capacity and better efficiency over R-410A
- Zero glide, unlike the R-400 series blends
- Easier reclaim (no fractionation)
- Globally available and used among many OEMs
- Already in use in a number of blends on the market
- Manufactured in Calvert City, Kentucky