Is your air conditioner secretly putting your wallet, health, and the planet at risk? At LAB Home Inspections, we’re diving into the world of refrigerants to uncover the truth about R22, R410A, and the newer R454B—gases that keep your home cool but might come with some serious downsides you need to know about. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can make smart choices for your home!

R22 Refrigerant Concerns: R22, an old refrigerant being phased out, harms the ozone layer and speeds up climate change with a high global warming potential (GWP of 1,810), and it’s now hard to find, costing $50-$100 per pound as of 2025. It can also make you sick if you breathe too much, causing dizziness or worse, and since it’s banned, fixing leaks gets pricey and tricky, leaving homeowners stuck with outdated systems. R22 was first developed in the 1930s by DuPont as part of the Freon family, becoming a standard after World War II, but its phaseout began with the 1987 Montreal Protocol, with production banned in the U.S. by January 1, 2020.

R410A Refrigerant Concerns: R410A, the go-to replacement for R22, doesn’t hurt the ozone but has an even higher GWP (2,088), making it bad for the planet when it leaks, and its higher pressure can lead to more leaks that damage your HVAC. It’s safe health-wise like R22 (no fire risk but can cause breathing issues in big amounts), but it’s also being phased out by 2025, meaning rising costs and the need for a new system soon. R410A was introduced in the mid-1990s by Honeywell and Carrier, gaining traction from 1996, but its phaseout started under the 2020 AIM Act, with reductions beginning in 2024.

Disclaimer: Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere is strictly prohibited under Section 608 of the U.S. Clean Air Act, enforced by the EPA, due to its harmful impact on the ozone layer and climate, with exceptions only for de minimis releases during good-faith recovery or normal equipment operation (e.g., minor leaks under 50 pounds requiring repair). Violations may result in civil penalties up to $59,017 per day per incident, criminal fines of up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for organizations with potential imprisonment up to 5 years for knowing releases, homeowners and technicians must use certified recovery equipment, report suspected releases, and note that liability may apply even for accidental venting, though certain low-risk substitutes may be exempt if deemed safe by the EPA.

R454B Refrigerant Concerns: R454B is the new kid on the block with a low GWP (466), helping the planet way more than R22 or R410A and not harming the ozone, but it’s mildly flammable, so leaks need extra care to avoid fire risks. It’s safe for your health unless you’re in a tight space with a big leak, and while it’s easier to switch to, it costs more upfront and needs trained pros to install right. R454B was developed by Honeywell in the early 2010s, with adoption accelerating post-2020, and as of September 2025, it has no immediate phaseout planned.

Don’t let an outdated or risky refrigerant leave you in the cold—contact LAB Home Inspections today for a free HVAC checkup to see what’s running your system! Our team is ready to help you upgrade safely and save money—schedule your inspection now at www.labhomeinspections.com and breathe easy with the right solution!