What do Canada’s new AC refrigerant regulations mean for you?

What do Canada’s new AC refrigerant regulations mean for you? 

If you’re anything like us, you like your home to be your sanctuary—comfortable even during a heatwave. That’s why it’s important to know what’s happening with Canada’s new refrigerant regulations in effect as of January 1, 2025. While it might seem a little scary or confusing at first, it doesn’t have to be! We’re here to demystify the new Canada refrigerant transition and help you understand whether you need to make refrigerant adjustments to your current HVAC systems or whether it’s enough to simply enough stay aware.

To help understand the changes, we’ll first provide a little context to Canada’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, followed by important information you should know, as well as answering some questions you may have regarding the transition.

Why the transition?

First, let’s review what the ozone layer is and why it’s important. Ozone is a gas that covers the entire planet; it protects all of us from harmful UV rays so it is safer for us to spend time outdoors. However, it was discovered that certain substances cause harm to the ozone layer, depleting it along with our protection from the sun. As a result, Canada signed the Montreal Protocol in 1987 to protect the earth’s ozone layer by reducing production and use of refrigerants that cause ozone depletion.

This change played a key role in avoiding millions of cases of fatal skin cancer as well as tens of millions of cases of non-fatal skin cancer and eye cataracts.

Unfortunately, it was later discovered that the new refrigerant of choice proved to be harmful to the environment by negatively impacting climate change. So as part of Canada’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and reducing climate change effects, we transitioned to new AC refrigerant regulations as of January 1, 2025.

What is the transition?

To understand the transition, we must first understand that refrigerants have an environmental impact measured by something called global warming potential (GWP). The higher the number, the worse it is for the environment—keep this in mind! While the changes from the Montreal Protocol have reduced harm to the ozone layer, the result was to use a refrigerant that has a relatively high GWP (R-410A). The high GWP means it negatively impacts the environment every time refrigerant leaks from an AC system—and because leaks are inevitable, the harm builds up over time.

To begin the shift away from using high GWP refrigerants, manufacturers were prohibited from making HVAC equipment that use R-410A as of January 1, 2025. In addition, the production of the refrigerant itself will gradually decrease as remaining existing systems using R-410A are phased out.

This means once all existing systems using R-410A are gone, it will be impossible to purchase them new, because production of new equipment using R-410A (such as air conditioners) has been banned. While R-410A will still be available for some time, it will be phased out, leading to the eventual production ban on the refrigerant as well.

If you’re worried you won’t be able to find new HVAC systems anymore, don’t! When shopping for new air conditioner options, you may notice brands you recognize already using labels such as R-454B or R-32 to indicate their AC refrigerant—that’s because manufacturers have been aware of the change to phase out R-410A refrigerant for some time, so they’ve prepared for this.

So what do I have in my home right now?

If your home’s HVAC system was built in the last 10-15 years, it’s likely your system uses R-410A, as it has dominated the Canadian HVAC industry for over 20 years due to its efficient cooling and relative safety (compared to older alternatives). The implementation of R-410A is also the reason you may have smaller systems, because it allowed for more compact HVAC equipment that is also more efficient. As a result, R-410A replaced R-22 (Freon) as the refrigerant of choice due to R-22’s ozone-depleting properties—which is why you might find yourself thinking that you recognize the R-410A tag!

However, Canada’s new refrigerant regulations are transitioning away from R-410A because it actually has massive environmental impacts, especially when your system inevitably leaks. Spoiler alert—R-410A has a GWP of 2088, which is a really high number! Remember when we said a high GWP is bad for the environment?

How will this affect me if I already have an AC system that uses R-410A?

There is no need to panic or rush to replace your system right this moment! The 2025 regulations affect new equipment production rather than existing systems, so existing R-410A systems are NOT illegal! You also do not need to worry about existing R-410A refrigerant being illegal or a ban on current R-410A systems. However, it’s important to be aware of what the changes are and how they will affect you (which is why you’re reading this post!).

One point to be aware of is cost—both initial and future budgets are important when thinking about your system. As production of R-410A decreases, you will notice higher costs when recharging, servicing, or repairing your current R-410A system. In addition, you’ll want to consider installation costs; weigh the benefits and challenges of spending more initial cost to use alternative refrigerants compared to future maintenance of R-410A systems. Keep in mind that new systems with alternative refrigerants are typically more energy efficient, meaning it’s possible they use 10-15% less electricity than comparable R-410A systems. This can make a big difference when we consider Alberta’s extreme temperatures on either end of the seasons!

Be aware of crucial maintenance! If your existing R-410A system is currently performing well, you can—and should—continue servicing it if you’re not looking to replace it just yet. Regular, proper maintenance will extend the life cycle of your system, reducing risk of costly repairs over time, especially as the cost of R-410A will only increase. In fact, it’s so important to the health of your system that we’ve made it easier than ever for members to have peace of mind when it comes to maintenance. Members enjoy FREE annual tune-ups and savings on every repair, plus we remember your appointments for you so you never have to worry about booking every year.

Depending on your goals and your budgets, compare the higher initial cost of a system that uses alternative refrigerants to the long-term cost of maintaining and repairing an existing (and still performing) R-410A system. Whichever choice you make, just remember that the 2025 R-410A ban in Canada is only on new equipment production rather than existing systems!

What if I’m adding a new system or upgrading my system?

Whether you’re considering adding a new system or upgrading your current system, we recommend making a choice that uses next-generation refrigerants—if it works with your budget. This is because all AC systems will eventually be replaced or retrofitted to use new refrigerants that are better for the environment as production of R-410A is eventually phased out.

As a comparison, not only are new refrigerants more efficient, but they also have a significantly lower impact on the environment. While R-410A has a GWP of 2088, R-32 has a GWP of 675 (68% lower), and R-454B’s GWP is 466 (78% lower). 

Remember that refrigerant alternatives can be more budget-friendly down the road—even if they’re initially more costly to install.

Choosing a system that works with your budget, is better for the environment, and is future proof would be the best balance. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money only to have your new R-410A system become obsolete!

How do I prepare for Canada phasing out R-410A refrigerant systems?

There are a few key things to keep in mind when considering your options or planning your future budgets.

The first is to know your system. Book an appointment with your service technician or, if you know where they are, check your system’s documentations or labels. While most post-2010 systems do use R-410A, you should still double check your official equipment documentation or confirm with your service technician. If there’s anything you need help with or any questions you need answers to, give us a call! We’d be happy to help you out. It’s better to be aware!

You also want to assess the condition and age of your systems. If your R-410A system is newer than 8 years old and functioning well, ensure you continue proper maintenance; this is key to keeping your systems happy and healthy for as long as possible. As R-410A is transitioned out, the refrigerant will become more expensive, and repairs can be more costly than you expect. If your system is older or you’re already experiencing issues, consider planning for a replacement or speaking to your service technician about your options.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance! We cannot stress enough the importance of proper maintenance. Preventing AC refrigerant leaks can extend your system’s life cycle, meaning you have more time to weigh the advantages and challenges of upgrading your system. Schedule regular professional maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently for longer.

Another thing to consider is upgrades! If you’re renovating or choosing a new system, consider whether you should select a newer system that uses alternative refrigerants rather than another R-410A system. This may make more sense when it comes to your finances or budgets despite potentially higher initial installation costs, because you’ll avoid expensive upgrades later along with rising costs of maintaining and recharging R-410A. Plus, think of the savings from the energy efficiency of alternative refrigerants! If you do decide to go with an upgrade, remember to contact professional HVAC service technicians to replace your R-410A system rather than trying to do it yourself.

Finally, you want to stay up to date with news and new technology. You’re already doing this by reading this article—great work! Continue to stay up to date on new technologies and systems with lower environmental impact and better energy efficiency so you can make the best choice for your budget and goals when the time is right for you to make decisions on your systems.

What are the suggested refrigerant alternatives to R-410A?

While Canada does not yet have an official AC refrigerant alternative, there are a few options that have already been adopted by several manufacturers due to their lower GWP rating.

R-32 is an already widely used alternative with a lower GWP than R-410A (675 vs 2088), and R-454B has an even lower GWP of 466. However, both are mildly flammable, so there are some safety considerations required.

Each alternative has its own sets of pros and cons, but at the end of the day, they are all better options for the environment while keeping you comfortable in your home—even in Alberta’s frigid winters and scorching summers.

Conclusion

Canada’s AC refrigerant regulations have changed, but your system doesn’t have to if you’re not ready. Whether you’re simply thinking about an upgrade or looking for a new system, remember to keep some of our tips in mind as you browse—especially with Alberta’s cold winters and hot summers.

Hopefully we’ve helped clear some confusion and answered some of your questions regarding Canada’s new air conditioner refrigerant regulations. The next time you look at HVAC systems, see if you notice whether the labels say R-410A, R-32, or R-454B, because now you know what they are. And if you still have questions? Let us know and we’ll help you out!

Quick FAQ:

• Is my current R-410A system illegal?
  • Absolutely not! 
• Can I still get R-410A refrigerant for my current R-410A system?
  • Yes! But be aware of rising costs as production reduces.
• Should I replace my working R-410A system right away?
  • That depends on the condition of your current system, your future plans, as well as your budget. For more information regarding your specific system, feel free to contact us!
• Are the new refrigerants better than R-410A?
  • Yes! They’re more environmentally friendly, efficient, and places you in a better position when it comes to preventing obsolescence.