Refrigerant Buying Guide: Comparing Options to Find What’s Best For Your Needs

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Before picking out a new refrigerant for a unit, you’ll want to make sure you’re caught up on the refrigerant types, new regulations and what to consider before picking one out.

Overview of Refrigerant Categories

There’s a wide array of different refrigerant options available. Finding the one that’s right for you starts with understanding your options. Here are a few of the groups of refrigerant that will come up in your search:

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
Natural Refrigerants

There may also be blends you can look into. For more information on these refrigerant types, look into our refrigerant 101 guide. You’ll find a more in depth breakdown.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Refrigerant

When it comes to choosing the right refrigerant type, you need to keep the following in mind:

Environmental impact – It’s important to choose a refrigerant with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) as well as a low Global Warming Potential (GWP). These types include R-454B or R-32.
System compatibility – Is the refrigerant you’re looking at compatible with the existing system components?
Energy efficiency and performance – You want to make sure this refrigerant can provide high cooling capacity and an improved energy efficiency rating.
Safety – Also consider the toxicity and flammability classifications.

Comparison of Common Refrigerant Types

R-410A (HFC): This type of refrigerant is used in older residential/commercial HVAC units and is slowly being phased out. It has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) but high global warming potential (GWP).
R-32 (HFC): This can be found in modern split AC systems and offers higher efficiency and lower GWP than R-410A, though it’s slightly more flammable.
R-454B (HFO/HFC blend): This is the preferred low-GWP replacement for R-410A with high performance that’s being increasingly used in new residential systems.
R-22 (HCFC): This is an obsolete refrigerant with high ODP/GWP. It’s currently banned in many regions.
Natural Refrigerants (Propane, CO2): These are used in niche or very small applications for near-zero environmental impact. These also tend to need specialized engineering due to pressure and flammability.

Refrigerant vs. Freon

Refrigerant is a technical term for any fluid that cycles through a system for cooling purposes, whereas freon, or R-22, is a trademarked brand for CFCs and HCFCs. Freon is less costly up front, but can lead to expensive repairs down the line if there were to be a leak. Refrigerant is more expensive up front, but lasts longer. Plus, freon is being phased out of systems due to the harmful environmental impact. Most newer refrigerants are more eco-friendly and more efficient.

What Types of Units Use Refrigerants?

There are two categories of units that use refrigerants. These include refrigeration units and HVAC. Take a look at each to see if the unit you’re inquiring about made the list:

Refrigeration

Walk-ins
Reach-ins
Ice machines
Cold storage
Prep tables
Supermarket cases

HVAC

Rooftop units
VRF/VRV
Heat pumps
Split systems

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Refrigerant is being heavily regulated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act, Section 608, to prevent ozone depletion and reduce overall high-GWP HFC emissions. This means phasing out all high-GWP refrigerants and adopting more eco-friendly practices. Some other considerations include:

EPA Section 608 regulations – This prohibits venting refrigerant and requires certified handling, recycling and safe disposal.
Leak detection and repair (LDAR) – With stricter standards, it’s required to monitor and repair leaks in systems containing 15 pounds or more of refrigerant.
Technician certification – Now only EPA-certified technicians can handle, and even purchase, refrigerants.
Phase-down of HFCs – The EPA is phasing out HFCs with high Global Warming Potential and forcing lower-GWP alternatives.
Reclamation standards – Effective January 1, 2026, reclaimed refrigerant can’t contain more than 15% virgin material.

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