By Mike Sanders, Your HVAC-Savvy Neighbor
Let me shoot straight with you—R-410A has been the go-to refrigerant in residential HVAC systems for years. It replaced the old R-22 because it was less harmful to the ozone, and for a while, it did the job just fine. But now, R-410A is the overpriced, outdated tech of the refrigerant world.
I’m Mike Sanders. I’m not a tech by trade, just a practical guy who keeps his house running without breaking the bank. And after digging into the whole refrigerant switcheroo, I made the call to go with an R-32 system. Spoiler: I’m glad I did.
The Truth About R-410A: It’s Going the Way of the Dodo
Here’s the deal: R-410A is being phased down under the AIM Act. Why? Because it has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), clocking in at about 2,088. That’s way higher than the newer A2L refrigerants like R-32, which has a GWP of just 675.
Translation? R-410A is expensive, inefficient, and not long for this world.
According to the EPA's phasedown schedule, production of high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A is being cut dramatically. That means rising prices, limited supply, and a headache for homeowners trying to get their system serviced.
Why R-32 Is a Smarter Choice
1. Lower GWP, Higher Efficiency
R-32 is a single-component refrigerant, which means it’s easier to recycle and recharge. And it does the job better. It has 10% higher efficiency than R-410A, which means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your house.
The folks at Daikin were ahead of the curve and have been using R-32 for years now. They estimate that R-32 systems can reduce electricity consumption by up to 10% compared to their R-410A counterparts.
2. Lower Outdoor Unit Costs
When I shopped around for a new system, I noticed something. R-410A systems were still on the market, but they were pricier, especially the service calls. The outdoor unit—or as the pros call it, the exterior HVAC unit or AC outside unit—wasn’t cheap to repair.
On the other hand, an R-32 system like this Goodman 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 R-32 AC and Gas Furnace made more sense. It’s efficient, future-proof, and the outdoor air conditioner price won’t knock the wind out of you.
Safety: Let’s Address the A2L Elephant in the Room
Yes, R-32 is mildly flammable. But so is cooking spray.
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has already signed off on R-32 systems when installed per code. Manufacturers are designing units that are safe, certified, and code-compliant. So unless you’re trying to weld your own DIY refrigerant line set (please don’t), you’re fine.
What Is the Outside AC Unit Called? It’s More Than Just a Box
Whether you call it the AC external unit, the aircon outdoor box, or just “that noisy thing by the fence,” it’s a crucial part of your system. With R-32, these units are typically smaller and lighter—better for installation and airflow.
And if you’re wondering "how much is an outdoor AC unit", R-32 systems tend to be cheaper to install and maintain in the long run, thanks to more efficient operation and fewer refrigerant issues.
Final Verdict: Don’t Overpay for a Dead-End System
R-410A is a dead man walking. Prices are going up, parts are becoming harder to find, and newer systems just aren’t built with it anymore.
R-32 isn’t just cheaper and more efficient—it’s also better for the planet, and it puts the power back in your hands. As a homeowner, that’s a win.
If you’re in the market, skip the stress and check out the selection of R-32 AC and Gas Furnace systems. Save money, future-proof your home, and keep your family comfortable.
Until next time,
Mike
