The Refrigerant Landscape Is Changing
If you've bought an air conditioner in the last few years, chances are it uses R32 refrigerant. But if your system is older, it may still rely on R410A or even the older R22 — and that matters more than many homeowners realise. Here's a clear breakdown of what's happening and how it affects you.
Why Refrigerants Are Being Phased Out
Refrigerants are measured by their Global Warming Potential (GWP) — a figure that indicates how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide over a given time period. Older refrigerants like R22 and R410A have relatively high GWP values, and international agreements (including the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol) commit signatory countries — including Australia — to phasing them down progressively.
Common Refrigerants at a Glance
| Refrigerant | GWP | Status |
|---|---|---|
| R22 | 1,810 | Phased out — no longer manufactured in Australia |
| R410A | 2,088 | Being phased down; still available but declining |
| R32 | 675 | Current mainstream standard; widely used |
| R290 (Propane) | 3 | Emerging; used in some smaller units |
| R454B | 466 | Emerging next-generation option |
What This Means for R22 Systems
R22 was fully phased out from manufacture and import in Australia as of 2020. If you have an older system that uses R22, you may still be able to source recycled or reclaimed R22 for top-ups, but supply is shrinking and costs are rising. At some point, repairing an R22 system becomes economically unviable — replacement with a modern system is the practical solution.
Is R32 Safe?
R32 is mildly flammable (classified as A2L — lower flammability), which required updated installation standards and equipment. However, when handled correctly by a licensed technician, R32 poses no meaningful risk to homeowners. Most major AC brands — including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, and others — have been using R32 as their primary refrigerant for residential split systems for several years.
What's Coming Next?
The industry is continuing to develop and adopt lower-GWP alternatives. R454B and R290 (propane) are gaining traction in some segments of the market. Regulatory pressure will continue to push the industry toward refrigerants with GWP values well below 150 in the coming decade. Manufacturers are actively developing equipment to accommodate these next-generation refrigerants.
What Should Homeowners Do?
- If your system uses R410A: No immediate action required, but be aware that servicing costs may rise as availability decreases over the coming years.
- If your system uses R22: Start planning for replacement. A modern inverter system will also dramatically reduce your running costs.
- Buying new? Look for systems using R32 — it's currently the best balance of efficiency, availability, and environmental impact for residential use.
- Never let an unlicensed person handle refrigerant. It is illegal in Australia, and improper handling can damage the system and harm the environment.
The Bottom Line
Refrigerant regulation is an ongoing process, not a single event. Staying informed helps you plan ahead — whether that means budgeting for a system upgrade or simply knowing what refrigerant your current system uses when you call for a service.