Refrigerant Guide
R-410A — EPA Regulations, Phase-Out Schedule & Alternatives
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the RefrigerantTrack Research Team
Overview
Full Name
Puron (R-410A)
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
2,088
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
0
Ozone Depleting Substance
No
Phase-Out Status
Phase-Down
Phase-Out Status
Subject to EPA AIM Act HFC phase-down.
R-410A production and consumption allowances are being reduced under the AIM Act of 2020. Existing systems in service can continue to operate and be recharged with available supply. However, new equipment manufactured after regulatory deadlines must use lower-GWP alternatives. Monitor allowance reduction milestones to plan transitions in advance.
Key Regulatory Facts
These facts are drawn from EPA regulations, the AIM Act, and Montreal Protocol obligations. Each is a standalone verifiable statement.
R-410A has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2,088 — more than twice that of its primary successor R-454B (GWP 466).
Under the AIM Act of 2020, the EPA is phasing down the production and consumption of HFCs including R-410A, with allowance reductions stepping down through 2036.
New residential air conditioners manufactured after January 1, 2025, are required to use lower-GWP alternatives to R-410A under EPA SNAP Rule 23 and AIM Act regulations.
R-410A systems in service before the phase-down remain fully operational and serviceable with existing refrigerant, though new equipment must transition to lower-GWP alternatives.
EPA Section 608 Requirements
Systems containing 15 lbs or more of R-410A are subject to the following EPA requirements.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Appliance charge threshold (leak tracking required at or above) | 15 lbs |
| Max annual leak rate — commercial refrigeration | 15% |
| Max annual leak rate — comfort cooling | 30% |
Thresholds reflect the January 1, 2026, EPA Section 608 rule change reducing the appliance charge threshold from 50 lbs to 15 lbs.
Common Uses
- Residential and commercial air conditioning (2010–2025 era equipment)
- Heat pumps
- Commercial comfort cooling
- Packaged rooftop units
Frequently Asked Questions
Is R-410A being phased out?
Not immediately phased out — but it is subject to a production and import phase-down under the AIM Act. New residential and light commercial HVAC equipment manufactured after January 1, 2025, must use lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B. Existing R-410A systems in service can continue to operate and be recharged with R-410A that is already in the market or reclaimed.
What replaces R-410A in new systems?
R-454B (sold as Opteon XL41) is the primary replacement chosen by most major manufacturers for new residential and light commercial systems. R-32 is another option with a lower GWP of 675 and is widely used in Europe and Asia. Both are classified as A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants, which requires updated installation and safety practices.
Do R-410A systems need EPA leak rate tracking?
Yes, if the system contains 15 lbs or more of refrigerant as of January 1, 2026. Commercial refrigeration systems must stay below a 15% annual leak rate; comfort cooling systems must stay below 30%. R-410A is a regulated substance under Section 608 regardless of the AIM Act phase-down.
Track your R-410A systems automatically
RefrigerantTrack monitors your leak rates, generates EPA-ready records, and alerts you before deadlines. Free for up to 5 systems.
Start Free — No Credit CardOr try the free leak rate calculator without an account.