The R-22 Situation
R-22 (Freon) was the standard refrigerant for residential HVAC systems for decades. As of January 1, 2020, the production and import of R-22 in the United States was banned. If your Austin HVAC system was installed before approximately 2010, it likely uses R-22.
This has significant implications for repairs: R-22 is still available from existing stockpiles, but the price has increased dramatically, from about $10 per pound in 2010 to $50–$100+ per pound today. A refrigerant recharge on an R-22 system can cost $400–$1,000 or more. If your R-22 system has a refrigerant leak, the repair economics almost always favor replacement.
The R-410A Transition
R-410A replaced R-22 as the standard residential refrigerant and has been used in virtually all new residential systems since about 2010. However, R-410A is now being phased down under the AIM Act. As of January 1, 2025, new residential HVAC equipment can no longer use R-410A.
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For Austin homeowners with R-410A systems (installed 2010–2024): R-410A will remain available for service and repairs for many years, but prices may increase over time.
The Next Generation: R-32 and R-454B
New HVAC equipment manufactured after January 2025 uses next-generation refrigerants, primarily R-32 and R-454B (also known as Puron Advance). These refrigerants have significantly lower global warming potential than R-410A.
What This Means for Your Repair vs. Replace Decision
An R-22 system that needs a refrigerant recharge is almost certainly a better candidate for replacement than repair. An R-410A system with a refrigerant leak should be evaluated carefully, if the system is 10+ years old, the combination of leak repair costs and the system's age often tips the scale toward replacement.
