As a homeowner in Dubuque, IA, keeping your home comfortable year-round is likely a priority. Whether you’re managing the humid summers or the chilly winters, your HVAC system plays a critical role in maintaining that balance. One important component of your HVAC system that often gets overlooked is the refrigerant. But what exactly is refrigerant, and why does it matter to homeowners like you in Dubuque?
In this blog post, we’re going to explore the role refrigerants play in your home’s heating and cooling systems. We’ll explain the different types of refrigerants used today, the regulatory changes impacting refrigerant use, and help you understand which refrigerant you may need as we move through 2025. By the end of this post, you’ll feel more confident about your HVAC system and ready to make informed decisions about maintenance and upgrades.
What is Refrigerant, and Why Does It Matter?
At its core, refrigerant is a substance used in your HVAC system to absorb and release heat, enabling your system to cool or heat your home. You can think of it as the lifeblood of your air conditioner or heat pump. Without refrigerant, your HVAC system simply can’t function.
In fact, refrigerants are responsible for the actual cooling and heating process. When the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside your home, it evaporates into a gas. Then, it’s pumped to the outdoor unit, where it’s compressed, releasing the heat into the atmosphere. This cycle repeats, and your HVAC system does its job, creating a comfortable indoor environment.
However, not all refrigerants are the same. Over the years, different types of refrigerants have been used in HVAC systems, and as technology has advanced and environmental concerns have grown, some of those older refrigerants have been phased out.
The Role of Refrigerants in Modern HVAC Systems
If you’ve ever had an HVAC technician out for a maintenance check or a repair, you may have heard them talk about refrigerants. The type of refrigerant your system uses can have a significant impact on both its performance and efficiency.
As of 2025, the HVAC industry is transitioning away from older refrigerants due to concerns about their environmental impact. Many older refrigerants contribute to ozone depletion or have a high global warming potential (GWP), which has led to regulatory changes. These changes can affect which refrigerants are legally used in new systems and whether you’ll need to replace the refrigerant in your existing system.
This is why it’s important to understand the refrigerant in your HVAC system and the options available for 2025 and beyond. You don’t want to wait until your system needs a repair or replacement to learn about refrigerant choices and their potential impacts.
A Look at the Most Common Refrigerants in 2025
To make things easier, let’s break down the most common refrigerants you’ll find in HVAC systems today, including their advantages and disadvantages.
R-22
For decades, R-22 was the go-to refrigerant for air conditioners and heat pumps. It was cheap, effective, and widely used. However, R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), and as we’ve learned over the years, HCFCs have been shown to deplete the ozone layer. In response to these environmental concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began phasing out R-22 in 2010, with a full ban on production and importation of R-22 refrigerant by 2020.
So, what does this mean for you? If your HVAC system uses R-22, it is now considered outdated, and finding replacement refrigerant can be costly and difficult. Additionally, R-22 is being replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives, which we’ll explore next.
R-410A
R-410A is now the most common refrigerant used in new air conditioning systems and heat pumps. Unlike R-22, R-410A does not contribute to ozone depletion, making it a more environmentally friendly option. It also operates at higher pressures, which allows newer systems to be more energy-efficient and perform better overall.
Because of its widespread use and higher efficiency, R-410A is the preferred choice for most HVAC system manufacturers today. It’s important to note, however, that R-410A is not a perfect solution—it still has a relatively high GWP, which has prompted further industry research into even greener refrigerants. But for homeowners in Dubuque, IA, R-410A is the most common and reliable option for your new or upgraded HVAC system.
R-32
R-32 is a newer refrigerant that is starting to make its way into HVAC systems. Like R-410A, R-32 is more environmentally friendly than older refrigerants due to its lower GWP and zero ozone depletion potential. It is also more energy-efficient, making systems that use R-32 perform even better than those using R-410A.
However, R-32 is still relatively new to the market, and its use is somewhat limited. It’s more commonly found in high-efficiency HVAC systems and may not be readily available in every unit. Still, its lower GWP makes it a great candidate for the future of HVAC systems.
Natural Refrigerants: R-290 and R-600A
In the quest for greener alternatives, natural refrigerants like R-290 (propane) and R-600A (isobutane) are starting to gain attention. These refrigerants are non-toxic and have virtually no environmental impact. They also offer high energy efficiency, making them appealing to eco-conscious homeowners.
However, the use of natural refrigerants like R-290 and R-600A is still in the early stages, especially for residential HVAC systems. They require specific components to safely manage their flammability, which can drive up installation costs.
Which Refrigerant is Right for Your System?
Now that you know about the different refrigerants on the market today, you may be wondering: which refrigerant is best for my system in Dubuque, IA?
The answer depends on a few key factors:
-
Age of Your System: If your system was installed before 2020, it likely uses R-22. In this case, your system is already outdated, and it may be time to consider a replacement. Continuing to run a system that uses R-22 can be expensive and inefficient, especially as the cost of R-22 refrigerant continues to rise.
-
Energy Efficiency: If you’re upgrading or replacing your HVAC system, R-410A is likely the best option. It offers improved energy efficiency over older refrigerants and has a much lower environmental impact than R-22. However, if you’re particularly concerned about the environment, R-32 is a fantastic option due to its lower GWP and energy efficiency.
-
System Compatibility: Keep in mind that not all systems are compatible with all types of refrigerants. For example, if your system currently uses R-22, converting it to use R-410A is a complicated and costly process. It’s usually more cost-effective to replace the entire system rather than retrofit an older one.
-
Future Regulations: As the demand for eco-friendly refrigerants grows, it’s important to consider the future of refrigerant regulations. Systems that use R-22 or R-410A may face further restrictions in the coming years. Choosing a system that uses R-32 or natural refrigerants can ensure your home stays ahead of the curve when it comes to future regulations.
Why Regular Maintenance is Essential
Choosing the right refrigerant is only one part of the puzzle. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly, regardless of which refrigerant it uses. Refrigerant leaks, for example, can significantly impact your system’s performance, leading to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear.
A qualified HVAC technician can perform routine checks to ensure that your refrigerant levels are adequate, identify potential leaks, and make any necessary adjustments. This helps extend the life of your system and keeps it running efficiently.
For HVAC Services in Dubuque, IA, Contact Birch Heating & Cooling Fireplace & Patio Today
If you’re in Dubuque, IA, and have questions about your HVAC system or the refrigerant it uses, Birch Heating & Cooling Fireplace & Patio is here to help. Whether you’re facing an outdated R-22 system or interested in upgrading to a newer, more efficient model, our expert team can guide you through the process with ease.
At Birch Heating & Cooling, we’re dedicated to providing professional HVAC services that ensure your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you make informed decisions about your HVAC system.
Your comfort is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
