Mike Sanders Here: Why “Puron Air Conditioner Unit” Deserves a Closer Look

There’s a reason I get a lot of phone calls about old Puron air conditioner units — folks just aren’t sure what’s going on with refrigerants anymore. They remember being told back in the early 2000s that switching to Puron (also known as R-410A) was the environmentally responsible choice. And for a while, it was.

But fast-forward to today, and things have changed — again.

If you’re still using a Puron AC unit, or you’re thinking about buying one, I’d say hold up just a minute. Let’s talk about where the HVAC industry is heading, why your next system needs to be future-proof, and how R-32 systems like the one featured in this Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle are ahead of the curve.

A Quick Refresher: What Is Puron?

Puron is the brand name for R-410A refrigerant. It became the industry standard after R-22 (a.k.a. Freon) was phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties. Compared to Freon, Puron was a huge step forward. It didn't harm the ozone layer and could deliver better cooling efficiency under high pressure. Sounds great, right?

It was, for a while.

But now R-410A has found itself in the environmental crosshairs, too — not because of ozone depletion, but because of its global warming potential (GWP). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, R-410A has a GWP of over 2,000. That means its heat-trapping potential is more than 2,000 times that of carbon dioxide. Not exactly a long-term solution.

So What’s Replacing It?

That would be R-32, a next-gen refrigerant with a GWP of only 675. It’s more efficient, easier to recycle, and delivers better performance in most HVAC systems. You’ll find R-32 in everything from ductless mini splits to full central systems.

Manufacturers like Goodman are already switching over. In fact, more than 160 million R-32 systems are in use globally as of 2025, according to Daikin Global.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy a New Puron AC Unit in 2025

Even though R-410A systems are still on store shelves, it’s not a good long-term bet. Here's why:

• Production cuts are already in place. The AIM Act is phasing down HFC refrigerants like R-410A. That means higher costs for servicing older units down the line.

• Parts availability will become a problem. As fewer manufacturers make R-410A components, prices will rise, and repairs could get tricky.

• Efficiency standards are stricter now. New SEER2 requirements are pushing HVAC technology toward better refrigerants like R-32.

Instead of replacing your old Puron unit with another of the same kind, consider a forward-compatible system that meets today’s standards.

Comparing R-410A and R-32: Real-World HVAC Talk

Let’s break it down like I would for a homeowner at their kitchen table:

A lot of folks get nervous when they hear “flammable,” but R-32 is considered a low-risk A2L refrigerant under ASHRAE safety standards. As long as it's installed properly — and you hire a licensed pro — you won’t have any issues.

Time to Upgrade? Here’s What I Recommend

If you’re on the fence about upgrading your Puron air conditioner unit, I’ll tell you what I tell my neighbors — it’s better to be early than late. Waiting until your system dies means paying premium prices during peak season, scrambling for parts, and possibly settling for a short-term solution.

That’s why I’m a big fan of bundles like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 system. It’s efficient, future-ready, and meets new DOE standards — which means it’s designed to last.

Don’t Forget Your Line Sets

If you’re replacing a system that used Puron, you’ll need to upgrade your line set too. That’s the copper tubing that connects the indoor and outdoor units. R-32 runs at similar pressures to R-410A, but reusing old lines (especially ones exposed to mineral oil from R-22 days) can cause contamination and void warranties.

According to HVAC Talk, it’s usually better to replace the line set rather than flush it — especially if you're making a long-term investment.

Want to Go Ductless?

I get this question a lot: “Is it better to just install a Goodman 18000 BTU mini split?”

Sometimes, yes — especially if you’re only cooling a couple of rooms or want zoning flexibility. Mini splits are excellent for retrofits, additions, or spaces where ductwork is a challenge. A Goodman mini split 18 000 BTU system can cool a decent-sized living area with better efficiency and whisper-quiet operation.

That said, ductless systems also use R-32 now — so whether you go ductless or ducted, you’re still riding the new wave.

If you’re thinking about mini splits, make sure you look at systems that are ENERGY STAR® certified and qualify for rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act’s HVAC incentives.

What This Means for Homeowners

Here’s what it boils down to:

• If you’ve got a Puron AC unit, start planning for its replacement now.

• Don’t sink money into a refrigerant that’s being phased down.

• Go with R-32 for efficiency, lower environmental impact, and long-term parts availability.

Thinking Ahead

We’ve already seen what happens when refrigerants get phased out — just ask anyone who had to scrap a perfectly good R-22 system because they couldn’t afford the coolant. Let’s not do that dance again with R-410A.

Systems like the Goodman R-32 bundle offer peace of mind, not just because they’re efficient, but because they’re built for the road ahead.

If you’re serious about comfort, energy savings, and doing right by the environment, your next step is simple — don’t look back.