R-410A Phase-Out and Home Warranties: What's Covered in 2026

The change to air conditioning refrigerants is the biggest shift in residential HVAC in more than a decade, and it lands directly on the most expensive claims home warranty companies handle. If you have a home warranty - or are deciding whether to buy one - because you're worried about your air conditioner or heat pump, this guide explains exactly what changed, what it costs, and how each major home warranty company's contract treats it.

Here's what you'll learn:

• The regulations, accurately and up to date - including the May 2026 EPA rule that many articles and contractors still haven't caught up with.
• Whether your current system can still be repaired (in almost all cases, yes) and when replacement becomes unavoidable.
• Why costs went up - the 2025 R-454B shortage, manufacturer price increases and what's next for R-410A supply.
• The five contract clauses that decide how much your home warranty pays for an AC claim in the transition era.
• A company-by-company comparison of refrigerant limits, upgrade coverage, refrigerant recovery and cash-in-lieu terms at American Home Shield, Choice, Select, First American, Home Warranty of America, The Home Service Club and 2-10.
• Worked examples, a repair-or-replace framework, and step-by-step claim and appeal advice.

Everything here is drawn from primary sources wherever possible - the Federal Register, EPA and DOE guidance, the IRS, manufacturers' statements, and the companies' own sample contracts and coverage pages - and checked in October 2026. Where sources conflict or we couldn't confirm something, we say so. Contract terms vary by state and plan year, so always confirm details in your own contract.

Air conditioners and heat pumps move heat using a refrigerant that circulates in a sealed loop between the indoor coil and the outdoor unit. For most systems installed in the US since about 2010, that refrigerant is R-410A, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). HFCs don't damage the ozone layer - that was the problem with the older refrigerant, R-22 - but they are potent greenhouse gases. R-410A has a global warming potential (GWP) of about 2,088, meaning a pound released traps roughly 2,088 times as much heat as a pound of carbon dioxide over 100 years.

The law behind the change: the AIM Act

In December 2020, Congress passed the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which directs the EPA to phase down the production and import of HFCs by 85% by 2036, measured against a 2011-2013 baseline. The phasedown happens in steps:

Source: Congressional Research Service and EPA allocation fact sheets. The US is currently in the 40% step; the next major cut, to 30% of baseline, arrives in 2029.

The AIM Act gives the EPA two main tools. The first is the allowance system, which caps how much HFC can be produced and imported each year - that's what limits the supply of R-410A over time. The second is the Technology Transitions program, which restricts which refrigerants can be used in specific types of new equipment. The second tool is what changed the air conditioners you can buy.

What the phasedown does - and doesn't - do

• It limits new supply of HFC refrigerants such as R-410A, which tends to push prices up as the steps tighten.
• It restricts the refrigerants allowed in new equipment through the Technology Transitions rule.
• It does not require anyone to replace a working system, and it does not ban repairing or recharging existing R-410A equipment.

Haven't we been here before? The R-22 precedent

Yes. R-22 (sometimes called by the brand name Freon) was phased out under earlier rules because it damages the ozone layer. On January 1, 2020, all production and import of virgin R-22 was banned in the US. Existing R-22 systems can still be serviced with recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22 "for as long as necessary," according to the EPA - but as supplies shrank, recharges became very expensive and many owners chose replacement. The R-410A transition differs in an important way: the phasedown is gradual, and R-410A remains in production under the allowance caps. But the long-term direction is the same, and the R-22 experience is a useful guide to what owners of aging R-410A systems may eventually face.

The rules for new air conditioners have changed several times since 2023, and many websites, sales pitches and even contractors still describe an outdated version. Here is the full timeline, from the Federal Register and EPA.

What the 2026 rule means in plain English

• The 2025 manufacturing cutoff still stands. No new R-410A residential split systems have been manufactured or imported since January 1, 2025, and the 700 GWP limit for new systems is unchanged.
• Leftover R-410A equipment can be installed. Systems built entirely from R-410A components made or imported before 2025 - condensing units, compressors, evaporator coils - can now be installed with no deadline, as long as that inventory lasts.
• Repairs were never restricted. The rule has always allowed servicing existing systems.
• It isn't the last word. The rule is being challenged in court, and individual states may have their own rules. New York, for example, is reported by industry distributors to keep its own state-level restrictions. If you're in a state with its own HFC rules, check with a licensed local contractor.

Why this matters for warranty claims: The 2026 change means a home warranty company - or your contractor - may still be able to source a pre-2025 R-410A condenser or matched system to replace a failed one, avoiding a full conversion to a new refrigerant. Whether that's possible depends on inventory, which shrinks over time, and on matching the rest of your system.

The two refrigerants replacing R-410A in new US residential systems are R-454B and R-32. Both meet the EPA's GWP limit of 700, and both are classified as A2L under ASHRAE Standard 34 - lower toxicity and lower ("mild") flammability.

They are not interchangeable

This is the single most important technical fact for homeowners and warranty holders:

• You can't put R-454B or R-32 into an R-410A system. They're not drop-in replacements. One manufacturer's installation instructions state plainly that "R-410A systems SHOULD NOT be retrofitted with R-454B," noting that an R-410A coil "has not been evaluated for use with R-454B and may lack a refrigerant detection system."
• You can't mix indoor and outdoor units across refrigerant classes. Trane explains that safety standards prohibit dual-rating equipment for different refrigerant safety classes, so an A2L outdoor unit needs a matched A2L indoor coil or air handler.
• Line sets (the copper refrigerant lines between the units) can sometimes be reused after cleaning, purging and inspection, depending on the manufacturer's instructions - but not always.

In practice, that means when the outdoor unit of an R-410A system fails and can't be repaired, the replacement path is either a matching R-410A condenser from pre-2025 inventory, or a new matched A2L system - outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler, and often new line sets and safety components. That second path costs much more, and it's where home warranty contracts are tested.

Because R-454B and R-32 are mildly flammable, new systems using them come with new safety requirements.

UL 60335-2-40

Since January 1, 2024, UL 60335-2-40 has been the main North American safety standard for heat pumps and air conditioners, replacing UL 1995. Equipment using A2L refrigerants must be certified to it. Among its key provisions: many ducted systems with larger refrigerant charges must include a refrigerant detection system - a leak sensor that, if it detects refrigerant, triggers mitigation such as running the indoor fan to dilute the leak. The exact threshold depends on the refrigerant charge and room size.

Building codes

The 2024 International Mechanical Code, International Building Code and International Fire Code permit A2L refrigerants and reference UL 60335-2-40. But codes are adopted state by state and city by city, and as HVAC trade press noted in 2025, the 2024 codes "have not yet been widely adopted." Texas, for example, adopted the 2024 International Mechanical and Residential Codes effective September 1, 2026. Your contractor and local building department determine what applies to your home.

What this means for you

• A new A2L system may include extra components - sensors, mitigation controls and sometimes specific installation requirements - that add cost.
• Permits and inspections may be required for replacements, and code requirements may trigger additional work.
• Those code-related costs are precisely the kind of expense many home warranty contracts limit or exclude unless your plan includes permits and code coverage.

Yes. The EPA is explicit: "The 2023 Technology Transitions Rule does not limit the use of any existing product or system." You can keep using, repairing and recharging an R-410A system for as long as it lasts. There is no deadline for servicing.

What repairs are allowed

According to the EPA's frequently asked questions, "A homeowner can replace a faulty component (e.g., condensing unit, indoor coil…) with a similar R-410A component." Service parts manufactured after 2025 must be labeled "for servicing existing equipment only." Refrigerant leaks can be repaired and the system recharged with R-410A, including reclaimed refrigerant.

When the rules kick in

Replacing the entire system - outdoor and indoor units together - with new equipment triggers the GWP limit for new systems. Under the 2026 rule, a complete system built from R-410A components made or imported before 2025 can still be installed; otherwise, a full replacement means an A2L system.

The practical constraints

• Parts availability: R-410A components remain available, but production of new R-410A condensing units has ended, so availability of specific replacement condensers depends on remaining inventory.
• Refrigerant supply and price: R-410A inventories were described as healthy in mid-2026, but supply is capped and the next phasedown step in 2029 is expected to tighten it.
• Efficiency rules: any replacement equipment must still meet the Department of Energy's regional efficiency minimums (covered below).

For home warranty holders, this is good news: most AC claims are repairs - capacitors, contactors, fan motors, leaks, coils - and those remain straightforward under the rules. The transition mainly bites when a compressor or condensing unit fails on an older system and replacement is on the table.

Homeowners have seen air conditioning costs climb since the transition began. The causes are well documented in trade press and manufacturers' own statements.

1. New equipment costs more

On its first-quarter 2025 earnings call, Carrier's CEO said systems using R-454B run about 10% more than comparable R-410A systems, and that he expected a total increase of 15-20% over two years. Lennox said its A2L systems cost "over 10% more." The extra cost reflects redesigned equipment, refrigerant detection systems and other safety components.

2. Ongoing manufacturer price increases

Price increases have continued. HVAC trade publication ACHR News tracks announced increases each month. Examples from 2026 include Lennox increases of up to 7% on residential equipment effective February 16, 2026, and Daikin increases of up to 7% on several product lines effective March 2 and again August 3, 2026. Tariffs and raw-material costs have also been cited as factors across the industry.

3. The 2025 R-454B shortage

In spring and summer 2025, contractors faced a shortage of R-454B. As reported by ACHR News and Contracting Business, the problem wasn't making the refrigerant so much as getting it into the right cylinders: A2L refrigerants require cylinders with specific pressure-relief valves and left-hand threads, and supplies of those cylinders, along with filling capacity, couldn't keep pace with a sudden jump in demand. Lead times of up to 10 weeks were reported.

• Honeywell announced a 42% surcharge on its R-454B (sold as Solstice 454B) in April 2025, citing demand, raw materials and tariffs.
• In late April 2025, R-454B was reported at $650-$700 per 20-pound cylinder in Chicago, versus about $350 for R-32.
• Manufacturers took steps to ease it - Johnson Controls redirected factory refrigerant to aftermarket use - and Chemours, which holds the R-454B patent, expected relief by June 2025.

By July 2025, A2L equipment made up 86% of distributor sales, according to HARDI data reported by ACHR News - a sign of how quickly the market shifted.

4. R-410A: plenty now, tighter later

For owners of existing systems, the R-410A outlook is mixed. In August 2026, ACHR News reported that US R-410A inventories were "healthy," with ample virgin refrigerant available. But supply is capped under the AIM Act, and the industry expects prices to rise as supply tightens - particularly at the 2029 phasedown step. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has also warned that delays for other equipment types in the 2026 rule could increase demand for the limited supply of HFCs.

What it costs homeowners

There's no authoritative national survey of residential AC prices, and contractor estimates vary widely by region, system size and complexity. Published contractor ranges for a full central AC replacement commonly run from about $3,000 to $8,500, with some markets well above that. Installed refrigerant prices quoted by contractors vary even more - from tens of dollars to more than $100 per pound - because they bundle labor, leak testing and markup. Treat any single number you see online, including ours, as a rough guide and get local quotes.

The warranty angle: Many home warranty contracts set refrigerant limits in dollars per pound - commonly $10 per pound on standard tiers. That figure was written for a different price environment. When installed refrigerant costs several times that, the difference is yours to pay.

Refrigerant rules aren't the only regulation shaping AC replacements. Since January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy's efficiency standards have used new test procedures - SEER2 for cooling efficiency and HSPF2 for heat pump heating efficiency - with higher regional minimums.

Source: DOE 2023 central air conditioner standards FAQ and ICC summary.

Why it matters

• Any replacement must meet the regional minimum - including leftover pre-2025 R-410A equipment installed under the 2026 rule.
• In the Southeast and Southwest, the AC standard is enforced by installation date, so non-compliant split ACs couldn't be installed there after January 1, 2023.
• Efficiency and refrigerant together drive full-system replacements. An older system's indoor coil may not be properly matched to a new, higher-efficiency outdoor unit, and manufacturers rate efficiency for specific matched combinations.

How home warranties address efficiency

Several home warranty contracts reference these standards directly. American Home Shield and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty state that they cover upgrades needed for compatibility or compliance with "SEER, HSPF, or refrigerant standards" during a covered repair or replacement - within the plan's AC limit. First American has marketed "14 SEER" coverage in its brochures. Home Warranty of America's materials state that it isn't responsible for upgrades caused by equipment incompatibility unless an optional upgrade coverage is purchased. We break down each company's terms in detail below.

Not for systems installed in 2026. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) helped offset the cost of qualifying heat pumps and central air conditioners. The law commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) ended it: according to the IRS, the credit is "not allowed for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025." Under the earlier Inflation Reduction Act, it would have run through 2032.

• Installed in 2025? You may still be able to claim the credit on your 2025 tax return using IRS Form 5695, provided the equipment qualified. The IRS requires a qualified manufacturer identification number for eligible items. Check the IRS instructions or ask a tax professional.
• Installed in 2026 or later? No federal 25C credit applies. Some states, utilities and local programs still offer rebates for efficient equipment; check your utility and state energy office.

Why this matters for warranty holders: when a home warranty offers cash instead of a replacement, or covers only part of a replacement, the loss of the federal credit means more of the remaining cost falls on you than it would have in 2023-2025.

Whether you're paying yourself or negotiating with a home warranty company, the repair-or-replace decision now has more variables. Here's a practical framework.

Step 1: Identify what failed

Step 2: Weigh age and condition

Central AC systems commonly last about 15-20 years with good maintenance, depending on climate and use. A repair on a young system almost always makes sense. On a system near or past that range - especially one with repeated failures or leaks - replacement may be the better long-term value, even if a warranty would pay for a repair.

Step 3: Consider refrigerant outlook

If your system uses R-22, refrigerant is limited to reclaimed supplies and costly; major repairs rarely make sense. If it uses R-410A, repairs remain practical for now, but supply will tighten over time, particularly after 2029.

Step 4: Compare total costs, including warranty limits

Get the full cost of each option: parts, labor, refrigerant, matching components, line sets, permits, code work and haul-away. Then subtract what your warranty will actually pay under its caps and per-pound limits. The cheapest option for the warranty company isn't always the best option for you.

Step 5: Ask about efficiency and operating cost

A new system that meets current SEER2 minimums may cost less to run, which matters in hot climates with long cooling seasons. EPA guidance on repairing versus replacing suggests weighing efficiency and parts availability alongside upfront cost.

A rule of thumb

Many contractors use a simple heuristic: if a repair costs more than about half the price of a new system and the system is in the last third of its expected life, replacement deserves serious consideration. It's a rough guide, not a rule - but it's a useful way to frame conversations with your contractor and warranty company.

When an air conditioner fails, the outcome of a home warranty claim depends on six parts of the contract. None of the contracts we reviewed name R-454B or R-32 specifically; instead, companies handle the transition through these general clauses. Find each of them in your sample contract.

1. The AC (covered item) limit

The maximum the company pays for the air conditioning system per term - commonly a few thousand dollars on consumer plans. American Home Shield's consumer coverage page, for example, lists coverage "up to $5,000 per air conditioning system (per 1-year term)," with lower limits for some system types. Everything else - refrigerant, upgrades, matching components - often comes out of this one number.

2. The refrigerant limit

Many contracts limit refrigerant separately, usually in dollars per pound. A $10-per-pound limit is common on standard tiers. Some premium tiers cover all refrigerant costs. Some plans exclude refrigerant unless you buy an add-on.

3. The upgrade or compatibility clause

This decides who pays when a replacement requires changes to make new equipment work with your system or meet current standards - for example, replacing the indoor coil so it matches a new outdoor unit. Some contracts explicitly cover upgrades for compatibility with "SEER, HSPF, or refrigerant standards" (within the AC limit). Others exclude upgrades caused by incompatibility.

4. Refrigerant recovery (recapture, reclaim and disposal)

Federal rules require refrigerant to be recovered rather than vented when systems are serviced or removed. Some contracts cover the cost of recapturing and disposing of refrigerant; others exclude it.

5. Permits, code upgrades and modifications

Replacements can require permits, electrical or line set changes, or other modifications. Many plans exclude these or cover them only on premium tiers, often with low dollar limits.

6. Cash in lieu of repair or replacement

Most contracts let the company pay you cash instead of arranging the work. Crucially, the cash amount is usually based on the company's cost or estimate - frequently described in the contract itself as potentially "less than retail."

A seventh clause to watch: government regulation

Some contracts include specific language for situations where regulations prevent repair or replacement. Home Warranty of America's 2022 direct-to-consumer contract, for example, says HWA will pay no more than $1,000 in the aggregate "in the event government regulations prevent HWA from repairing or replacing a covered air conditioning system." If your contract has a clause like this, it can cap your payout well below the general AC limit.

The table below summarizes what we found in each company's published sample contracts, coverage pages and FAQs, checked in October 2026. Terms vary by state, plan and contract version - and several companies' published documents conflict with one another, which we note. Always confirm against your own contract.

American Home Shield

AC limit: AHS's consumer air conditioning page lists coverage "up to $5,000 per air conditioning system (per 1-year term)," and its 2024 sample agreement sets a lower $1,500 limit for certain system types (such as geothermal and water-source heat pumps). AHS's real estate pages list higher limits. AHS also pays up to $1,000 to access components through concrete.

Refrigerant: AHS's coverage page states: "For ShieldSilver and ShieldGold, there is a $10 per pound AC refrigerant limit. For ShieldPlatinum, we will cover all costs of AC refrigerant." AHS has also published plan names ShieldEssential, ShieldPlus and ShieldComplete with equivalent language ($10 per pound on the first two; all refrigerant costs on ShieldComplete). One AHS comparison guide lists refrigerant on the top tier as a $1,000 limit per term - so confirm the figure in your own agreement.

Upgrades: AHS's coverage page says: "If repair or replacement is needed, we'll cover upgrades to maintain compatibility and/or compliance with SEER, HSPF, or refrigerant standards." The 2024 agreement covers code-required upgraded components up to the covered item limit, subject to AHS's right to make a cash payment instead.

Permits and modifications: On ShieldPlatinum only, AHS covers permits up to $250 per term and modifications such as gas or plumbing line extensions up to $250 per term; "This benefit does not apply to our ShieldSilver or ShieldGold plans."

Cash in lieu: The 2024 Nevada agreement bases cash payments on "our reasonable estimate of retail cost in your area to repair or replace the Covered Item, subject to any applicable limit." Earlier contracts used different wording, including AHS's actual cost. Read our AHS review.

Choice Home Warranty

AC limit: Third-party reviews report a $3,000 cap (described variously as per item or combined for heating and cooling); confirm in your contract.

Refrigerant and recovery: A Choice contract we reviewed lists covered AC components including the condenser and compressor, evaporator coil and thermal expansion valves, air handler, thermostats and primary drain pans, plus "Refrigerant recharging; costs related to refrigerant recapture, reclaim and disposal when required for diagnosis, repair or replacement."

Upgrades: We found no specific SEER or refrigerant-standard upgrade language in Choice's published materials.

Cash in lieu: Choice "reserves the right to offer cash back in lieu of repair or replacement in the amount of CHW's actual cost (which at times may be less than retail)."

Recent scrutiny: Choice agreed to an $11.8 million consent judgment with the Arizona Attorney General in 2026 over claim-handling and disclosure allegations, without admitting wrongdoing. In July 2026, a plaintiffs' law firm announced it was investigating complaints about Choice HVAC claim denials; that is an investigation by a private firm, not a finding. Read our Choice review.

Select Home Warranty

AC coverage: Select's terms cover "All factory-installed parts and components of permanently installed air conditioning systems up to a 5-ton capacity."

Refrigerant: The terms exclude "Heat transfer devices, refrigerant and/or leaks of water or refrigerant" unless optional Freon coverage is purchased, which carries a low cap (the published terms state the amount inconsistently, as both "two hundred dollars" and "$150").

Cash settlement: At Select's discretion and capped at depreciated value; limits are annual maximums. Given its low item caps, Select is the plan where a transition-related replacement is most likely to leave a large balance. Read our Select review.

First American Home Warranty

Refrigerant: First American's FAQ states that "all of our plans include refrigerant coverage. Our Premium plan and all real estate plans cover 100% of refrigerant costs. Our Starter and Essential plans cover up to $20/lb." That's the most generous refrigerant coverage among the companies we track. Its state brochures have also advertised coverage for "14 SEER and R-22 phaseout."

Recovery: Brochures list refrigerant "recapture, reclaim and disposal" as not covered.

Cash in lieu: "Payment will be made based on First American's negotiated rates with its suppliers, which may be less than retail." Read our First American review.

Home Warranty of America

Refrigerant: HWA's 2022 contract says: "We will pay up to $10 per pound for the cost of refrigerant for authorized repairs. You are responsible for payment of any costs in excess of $10 per pound." (An older HWA brochure advertised "No Cap on Refrigerant," which conflicts with the contract - the contract controls.)

Regulation clause: "HWA will pay no more than $1,000 in the aggregate during the coverage period for the above coverages only in the event government regulations prevent HWA from repairing or replacing a covered air conditioning system."

Upgrades and limits: HWA's brochure defines a SEER standard and states HWA isn't responsible for upgrades caused by equipment incompatibility unless an optional upgrade is purchased. Its brochure lists $5,000 per covered item and a $15,000 aggregate. Read our HWA review.

The Home Service Club

Its sample contract covers refrigerant "subject to refrigerant (freon) limits," excludes "recapture/reclaim/disposal of refrigerant (freon)" and "interconnecting refrigerant (freon) gas lines/line sets," and limits heating and air conditioning access, diagnosis and repair to "$2,000 per each twelve month period." That combination - excluded line sets and a $2,000 annual HVAC limit - leaves little room for a full-system conversion. Read our Home Service Club review.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10's 2025 sample contract sets a $5,000 AC limit (with a $1,500 limit for certain system types) and states: "Included in the Covered Item Limit is a $10 per pound refrigerant limit." Its air conditioner page says: "Upgrades needed for compatibility or compliance with SEER, HSPF, or refrigerant standards are covered during repair or replacement." Older 2-10 agent materials listed recapture, haul-away, disposal and SEER matching as non-covered costs, so check which version applies to you. 2-10 and American Home Shield share a parent company, Frontdoor, which may explain their similar language. Read our 2-10 review.

Per-pound refrigerant limits are one of the least understood parts of a home warranty, and the refrigerant transition has made them more important.

How much refrigerant does a system hold?

A typical residential split system holds several pounds of refrigerant, and larger systems or long line sets hold more. A 2-10 agent flyer, for example, used a 9-pound full-system charge as an illustration. A small leak repair might need a pound or two; a full recharge after a major repair needs the system's whole charge.

The math

Suppose a repair requires recharging 8 pounds of refrigerant, and your contractor's installed price is $60 per pound (installed prices vary widely by region and contractor; this is an illustration, not a quote).

On a repair that's otherwise fully covered, a per-pound limit can still leave a bill of several hundred dollars. In practice, the warranty company pays the contractor at its network rates, so how the gap is passed on to you depends on the contract and contractor. Ask before work begins.

Why per-pound limits matter more now

• Refrigerant prices have risen since many of these limits were written, and the 2025 shortage briefly pushed R-454B much higher.
• R-410A supply is capped and is expected to tighten at the 2029 phasedown step.
• A full conversion to a new system involves charging a new system with refrigerant, which may be priced into the equipment and installation rather than billed per pound - another reason to ask how your contract treats refrigerant on replacements.

Which plans avoid the gap

Among the companies we track, First American's Premium and real estate plans cover 100% of refrigerant costs, and AHS states that ShieldPlatinum covers all AC refrigerant costs (confirm in your agreement, since one AHS guide lists a $1,000 term limit). If refrigerant leaks are a known issue on your system, those tiers deserve a close look.

These illustrative examples show how common contract terms play out. They're hypothetical; the dollar amounts are for illustration only and your outcome depends on your contract, your system and local prices.

Example 1: a leak on a 7-year-old R-410A system

Situation: The system stops cooling. The technician finds an accessible leak at a fitting, repairs it and recharges 4 pounds of R-410A.

Under a plan with a $10/lb limit: The repair is covered; refrigerant is covered up to $40. If the contractor's refrigerant charge is higher, the homeowner may owe the difference plus the service fee.

Under a plan covering all refrigerant: The homeowner pays only the service fee.

Transition impact: Minimal. R-410A remains available for repairs, and nothing about the 2025 rules prevents this repair.

Example 2: a failed compressor on a 14-year-old R-410A system

Situation: The compressor fails. Because of the system's age, the contractor recommends replacing the condensing unit. A matching pre-2025 R-410A condenser isn't available locally, so the realistic option is a new A2L system: outdoor unit, matched indoor coil, possibly new line sets, and safety components.

Under a plan that covers SEER/refrigerant-standard upgrades within a $5,000 AC limit (such as AHS or 2-10 per their published terms): The company may approve a full replacement or matching components, up to the AC limit, subject to its right to pay cash instead. Costs above the limit, and items the plan excludes (such as permits on non-premium tiers), fall to the homeowner.

Under a plan without upgrade coverage, or with a regulation clause (such as HWA's $1,000 aggregate when regulations prevent repair or replacement): The company may cover only the failed component's value, or a limited amount, leaving the homeowner to fund the rest of the conversion.

Under a plan with low item caps (e.g., about $3,000 for HVAC per term at Select, or $2,000 per year at The Home Service Club): The payout may cover a fraction of a full replacement.

Transition impact: Large. This is the scenario where contract language on matching, upgrades and caps decides whether the homeowner pays hundreds or thousands.

Example 3: a cash-in-lieu offer

Situation: The company approves replacement but offers cash instead, based on its own cost estimate. The homeowner's local quotes for a new A2L system are substantially higher.

What the contracts say: Most cash-in-lieu clauses base the amount on the company's actual cost, negotiated rates or estimate - several explicitly note this may be less than retail. AHS's 2024 agreement uses a "reasonable estimate of retail cost in your area."

What to do: Ask for the itemized calculation, get two or three written local quotes, and submit them with a written request for reconsideration. Check whether accepting cash ends coverage for the system. We cover the full process in the claims section below.

Sample contracts can run dozens of pages, but the parts that decide an AC claim are usually in four places. Here's how to find and interpret them in 15 minutes.

1. The air conditioning (or "cooling") covered-items section

This lists covered components - typically the condenser and compressor, evaporator coil, expansion valves, air handler or blower, thermostat and drain pans - and the excluded ones, which often include line sets, condensate pumps, window units, and certain system types. Note any capacity limit (Select, for example, covers systems up to 5 tons).

2. The limits of liability table

Usually near the end. Find the AC limit, any lower limits for your system type, the refrigerant limit, access limits, permit and modification limits, and any aggregate limit across the contract.

3. The general exclusions and conditions

Look for pre-existing conditions, maintenance, improper installation, mismatched systems, code and permit language, upgrade language, and any clause about government regulations preventing repair or replacement.

4. The replacement and cash-in-lieu terms

Find the promise about replacement equipment ("similar features, capacity and efficiency," adjusted for current standards where stated), and the method for calculating cash payments.

Phrases that matter for transition-era AC claims

To make the differences concrete, here's how the published terms we found would apply to one hypothetical claim. This is an illustration, not a prediction of any claim outcome - companies apply their own judgment, and terms vary by state and contract version.

The scenario: A 13-year-old R-410A split system's compressor fails. No matching R-410A condenser is available, so the contractor recommends a new A2L system: outdoor unit, matched indoor coil, new line set and a permit. Assume the total retail cost is around $9,000 and the new system's refrigerant charge is included in the equipment and installation.

What the comparison shows

• The AC limit is the ceiling. Even the plans with the best upgrade language cap total payouts at their AC limit, so a full A2L conversion can exceed it.
• Upgrade language decides whether matching components count. Plans that explicitly cover SEER and refrigerant-standard upgrades are better positioned for conversions.
• Low-cap plans are built for repairs, not replacements. If your system is old, the cheapest plan may cover little of the most likely big expense.

→ American Home Shield vs Choice

→ American Home Shield vs Select

An AC claim today has more moving parts than it did before 2025. These steps help you get the most from your coverage.

Before summer (or winter, for heat pumps)

• Find your system's refrigerant type. It's printed on the data plate of the outdoor unit (look for "R-410A," "R-22," "R-454B" or "R-32"). Photograph the plate along with the model and serial numbers.
• Note the age. The serial number usually encodes the manufacturing date; a contractor or the manufacturer's website can decode it.
• Read your contract's six key clauses: AC limit, refrigerant limit, upgrade/compatibility clause, refrigerant recovery, permits and code, and cash in lieu - plus any government-regulation clause.
• Schedule maintenance and keep the invoice. "Lack of maintenance" is a common denial reason for HVAC claims.

When the system fails

1. Check the basics first - thermostat settings and batteries, breakers, the furnace or air handler switch, and the air filter.
2. Turn the system off if it's running but not cooling, icing up or making grinding noises; continued operation can cause further damage that a contract may exclude.
3. File promptly and describe symptoms factually.
4. Ask about urgent dispatch during extreme heat; some companies prioritize no-cooling claims in hot weather.

During the diagnosis

• Ask the technician what failed, why, and what they're recommending - repair, component replacement or full replacement.
• If replacement is recommended, ask whether a matching R-410A component is available or whether a conversion to an A2L system is required, and why.
• Ask how many pounds of refrigerant the repair requires and the price per pound.
• Ask whether permits, line sets, electrical work or other modifications will be needed.
• Make sure the cause recorded in the report is accurate - especially if age, rust or maintenance is mentioned.

Before approving any work

• Get the warranty company's written authorization, including what's covered, the dollar amounts, and what you'll owe.
• Ask specifically whether the approval includes matching components (indoor coil or air handler), refrigerant, recovery/disposal and permits.
• If the company offers cash in lieu, ask for the itemized calculation before accepting.
• Don't pay a contractor for work the warranty company hasn't approved unless you're prepared to cover it yourself.

HVAC claims are among the most disputed in the home warranty industry. A denial or low offer isn't necessarily final.

Common reasons for HVAC denials and partial payments

• Pre-existing condition - the company concludes the failure began before coverage started.
• Lack of maintenance - dirty coils, clogged filters or drains cited as the cause.
• Improper installation or mismatched equipment - for example, an indoor coil not properly matched to the outdoor unit.
• Exceeding the AC limit or refrigerant limit.
• Excluded costs - permits, code upgrades, line sets, recovery or modifications.
• Regulation-related limits - such as HWA's $1,000 aggregate clause when regulations prevent repair or replacement.

How to respond

1. Get the reason in writing, with the specific contract section cited.
2. Request the technician's report.
3. Compare the reason to the clause. Does your contract actually exclude the cited cause? Does it cover upgrades for SEER or refrigerant standards? Is "age" an exclusion at all?
4. Gather evidence - maintenance invoices, photos of the data plate, the home inspection report if you bought recently, and a written second opinion from an independent licensed HVAC contractor.
5. Get local quotes if you're disputing a cash-in-lieu amount.
6. Appeal in writing, citing the contract language and attaching evidence. Ask for a written response by a specific date.
7. Escalate outside the company if needed: your state's home warranty regulator, your attorney general's consumer protection office, or the Better Business Bureau. Check your contract's dispute-resolution clause for arbitration requirements.

State regulators

Who regulates home warranties depends on your state. In Texas, residential service companies moved from the Texas Real Estate Commission to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on September 1, 2021. In California, home protection companies are regulated under the Insurance Code by the Department of Insurance, and the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations state that they apply to home protection companies. Other states regulate home warranties through insurance departments, other agencies or general consumer protection law.

Sample appeal language for an AC claim

Re: Claim [number], air conditioning system, [address]

My claim was [denied / approved for $X] on [date], citing [reason / section]. My contract, Section [X], states that [quote the relevant language - for example, that upgrades needed to maintain compatibility or compliance with SEER, HSPF or refrigerant standards are covered during repair or replacement]. The technician's report states that [the indoor coil must be replaced to match the new outdoor unit / the failure was caused by X]. I have attached [maintenance invoices dated..., a second opinion from [licensed contractor], local replacement quotes]. I request that you reconsider and approve [the matching components / the full replacement / a revised cash amount] under the terms of my contract, and respond in writing by [date].

The largest home warranty company, Frontdoor (parent of American Home Shield and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty), has discussed the transition with investors. Here's what its public disclosures show.

• Managing the change: Asked about the new refrigerant standards on its first-quarter 2025 earnings call, Frontdoor's CEO said, as summarized in published call recaps, that the company was managing the transition to new equipment standards, including securing older equipment while adapting to the new standards, and acknowledged that some situations may require replacing whole systems.
• Modest cost inflation: In 2025 and 2026, Frontdoor described cost inflation across its contractor network, parts and equipment as low single-digit on a per-service-request basis. Its second-quarter 2026 quarterly report attributed lower claims costs to fewer service requests per member, partly offset by "low-single-digit cost inflation across its contractor network, replacement parts and equipment."
• A growing HVAC upgrade business: Frontdoor reported that revenue from its HVAC upgrade program grew by $41 million to $128 million in 2025, and cited growth in that program again in early 2026. The program offers members discounted new systems, marketed as meeting the latest refrigerant standards.
• Limited refrigerant impact so far: On its second-quarter 2026 call, a Frontdoor executive said the company was monitoring refrigerant but wouldn't say it had had a big impact one way or the other on the upgrade program.

What to take from it

The largest company in the industry says it's absorbing the transition without dramatic cost spikes at the portfolio level - which is consistent with most AC claims being repairs that the transition doesn't affect much. For individual homeowners, though, the impact is concentrated in the minority of claims that become full replacements on older systems. That's where contract language - and the gap between warranty payouts and retail replacement costs - matters most. Some companies also offer discounted replacement programs when a covered system can't be economically repaired; if you're offered one, compare it against independent quotes.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps use the same refrigerants and fall under the same rules as central air conditioners - and they run year-round, so failures can happen in winter too. Most home warranties cover heat pumps under the heating and cooling sections, but some system types carry lower limits (AHS and 2-10, for example, set a $1,500 limit for geothermal and water-source heat pumps in their sample agreements). Heat pumps must meet national SEER2 and HSPF2 minimums when replaced. The federal 25C tax credit that helped offset heat pump costs ended for installations after December 31, 2025.

Homes with R-22 systems

If your system still uses R-22, it is almost certainly old: most R-22 systems were installed before 2010, when US rules stopped the manufacture of new air conditioners pre-charged with R-22. Repairs requiring refrigerant depend on reclaimed R-22, which is limited and costly. Home warranties generally still cover R-22 systems for covered failures, but per-pound refrigerant limits and conversion costs can leave large balances. If your plan offers a replacement or cash, a new system is often the practical outcome. Some First American brochures specifically reference coverage related to the "R-22 phaseout."

Home buyers

• Check the refrigerant type and age of the AC during the home inspection, and keep the report.
• If the seller is buying a home warranty, ask which plan - and whether you can upgrade to a tier with better refrigerant and upgrade coverage.
• Real estate plans sometimes have different terms; First American, for example, says its real estate plans cover 100% of refrigerant costs, and AHS lists higher AC limits on its real estate plans.
• An AC system near the end of its life is a negotiating point. A warranty won't cover a problem found during inspection.

Landlords

Cooling is a habitability issue in many places, so slow claim handling or a long wait for equipment can be a serious problem in a rental. If you rely on a warranty for rental properties, know your contract's AC terms, and have a backup contractor for urgent situations.

Hot-climate homeowners

In the Southeast and Southwest, air conditioners work harder and fail more often, and higher regional efficiency minimums apply to replacements. Plans with high AC limits, refrigerant coverage and upgrade language are worth more in these regions.

Recently replaced systems

If you installed a new system recently, its manufacturer warranty - often several years on parts when the product is registered - should handle defects first. Keep registration confirmations and installation paperwork; they matter for both manufacturer and home warranty claims.

A well-maintained system is less likely to fail - and much easier to get covered when it does. The basics:

• Change air filters on schedule (often every 1-3 months, depending on the filter and home). Keep receipts or photos.
• Schedule an annual professional tune-up, ideally in spring for air conditioners (and fall too for heat pumps). Keep every invoice. Some premium plans include an annual HVAC tune-up - AHS's ShieldPlatinum is one.
• Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass clippings and vegetation, with space around it for airflow.
• Keep the condensate drain clear to prevent water backups and shutdowns.
• Watch for early warning signs: weak cooling, ice on refrigerant lines, short cycling, unusual noises or rising energy bills. Report them promptly - waiting can make a problem look pre-existing or cause further damage.
• Don't let anyone add the wrong refrigerant. Never allow a different refrigerant to be added to your system; mixing refrigerants can damage equipment and void coverage.
• Use licensed technicians for refrigerant work. Federal rules require technicians who handle refrigerants to be certified.

Maintenance records are your strongest defense against "lack of maintenance" denials, which are among the most common reasons HVAC claims are turned down.

Sources: EPA, Federal Register, DOE, IRS, Congressional Research Service and HVAC trade press, as listed in the sources section.

Today's transition is the second major refrigerant change most American homeowners have lived through, and understanding the first one explains a lot about the second.

The R-22 era and the ozone layer

For decades, most home air conditioners used R-22, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). HCFCs damage the stratospheric ozone layer, and under the Montreal Protocol - the international treaty on ozone-depleting substances - the US phased them out. New air conditioners pre-charged with R-22 stopped being manufactured in the US starting January 1, 2010, and production and import of virgin R-22 ended on January 1, 2020. Homeowners with R-22 systems found that refrigerant became increasingly scarce and expensive, and repairs involving refrigerant often stopped making economic sense.

R-410A: solving one problem, creating another

R-410A, an HFC blend, replaced R-22 in new systems. It doesn't harm the ozone layer, which is why it was the preferred replacement. But HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases. In 2016, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol set a global framework for phasing down HFCs, and in December 2020 the US enacted the AIM Act, which directs the EPA to phase down HFC production and import.

The A2L generation

The refrigerants replacing R-410A - R-454B and R-32 - have much lower global warming potentials but are mildly flammable, which is why the industry developed new safety standards (UL 60335-2-40) and why building codes are being updated. Unlike the R-22 transition, today's change pairs a supply phasedown with new-equipment restrictions, and the rules have shifted several times along the way - most recently with the EPA's 2026 removal of the installation deadline for pre-2025 R-410A components.

What the history suggests

The R-22 experience suggests a likely pattern for R-410A owners: repairs stay practical for years, but as supply tightens - especially after the 2029 phasedown step - refrigerant-heavy repairs on older systems may become harder to justify. Planning ahead, and understanding how your home warranty handles refrigerant and replacements, puts you in a better position when that day comes.

Understanding how a home warranty company evaluates an AC claim helps explain the outcomes homeowners see.

Network contractors and negotiated rates

Most home warranty companies work with networks of independent HVAC contractors at negotiated rates. When you file a claim, a network contractor diagnoses the problem and submits the findings and an estimate. The warranty company - not the contractor - decides what's covered under your contract.

Repair before replace

Because repairs usually cost less, companies typically authorize repairs where practical. Replacement tends to be approved only when repair isn't possible or economical, and contracts generally promise replacement equipment of similar features, capacity and efficiency - adjusted, where the contract says so, for current efficiency and refrigerant standards.

Sourcing equipment

Large companies buy equipment at scale. On its first-quarter 2025 earnings call, Frontdoor's leadership said, as summarized in published recaps, that it had secured older equipment while adapting to the new standards. For homeowners, that means a company may be able to replace a failed R-410A condenser with a matching unit from inventory where one is available - often the least disruptive outcome.

Why cash offers can be lower than your quotes

Cash-in-lieu offers are typically based on the company's own cost, negotiated supplier rates or an estimate. Several contracts note this may be less than retail. The gap between that number and the retail quotes you receive is often the biggest source of disagreement in AC replacement claims - which is why documenting local retail quotes matters if you dispute an offer.

Upgrade programs

Some companies offer members discounted replacement systems when a covered system can't be economically repaired, or as an optional upgrade. Frontdoor, for example, reported strong growth in its HVAC upgrade program in 2025 and 2026. These offers can be useful, but compare them with independent quotes before committing.

Hot climates (Southeast and Southwest)

Air conditioners in hot regions run longer and fail more often. Replacements must meet the higher regional minimum of 14.3 SEER2 for split central air conditioners, and in the Southwest, EER2 minimums too. Because the AC standard in these regions is enforced by installation date, efficiency compliance is checked at installation. For homeowners here, AC limits, refrigerant coverage and upgrade language in a home warranty contract are especially valuable, and urgent-dispatch policies matter during heat waves.

Cold climates (North)

Central air conditioners in the North must meet a 13.4 SEER2 minimum. Many northern homes run air conditioners only a few months a year, so failures are less frequent, but heat pumps - increasingly common for heating - run year-round and fall under the same refrigerant rules. Heat pumps must meet national minimums of 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 (split systems). A heat pump failure in winter is both a heating and a cooling problem, so check how your contract covers heat pumps and whether any lower limits apply to your system type.

Mixed climates

In regions with long cooling and heating seasons, heat pumps and dual-fuel systems are common. The same considerations apply: matched-system requirements for A2L conversions, efficiency minimums for replacements, and contract terms for refrigerant, upgrades and heat pumps.

States with their own rules

Some states regulate HFCs independently of the federal program. Industry distributors report that New York, for example, maintains its own state-level restrictions. If you live in a state with its own HFC rules, a licensed local contractor can tell you what applies - and those rules may affect what replacement options a warranty company can offer.

Your system's age is the best single predictor of how the refrigerant transition will affect you and your warranty claims.

Ages are approximate. System life depends heavily on climate, installation quality and maintenance.

Even with a good home warranty, a full AC replacement in the transition era can leave a balance. Options to manage it:

• Get multiple written quotes. Prices vary widely between contractors. Quotes also strengthen your position if you're negotiating a cash-in-lieu amount.
• Ask the warranty company about replacement programs. Some offer discounted systems to members; compare against independent quotes.
• Check manufacturer and distributor promotions, especially outside peak season.
• Check utility and state programs. The federal 25C credit ended for 2026 installations, but some utilities, states and local governments offer rebates or financing for efficient equipment. Your utility and state energy office are the best places to check.
• Consider financing carefully. Many contractors offer financing; compare the interest rate and total cost with other options.
• Time it if you can. If your system is still working but aging, planning a replacement in the spring or fall, rather than during a summer breakdown, can give you more choice and leverage.
• Build a repair fund. Setting aside money monthly for an eventual replacement is the most reliable way to avoid being forced into a rushed decision - with or without a home warranty.

If air conditioning is the main reason you're considering a home warranty, judge plans on the clauses that matter for AC - not the monthly price alone.

The AC-focused checklist

1. AC limit: How much will the plan pay for the air conditioning system per term? Are there lower limits for your system type (heat pumps, geothermal, ductless)?
2. Refrigerant: Is refrigerant covered? Per pound or in full? Is it inside the AC limit or separate?
3. Upgrades: Does the contract cover upgrades needed for compatibility or compliance with SEER, HSPF or refrigerant standards - such as a matched indoor coil?
4. Recovery and disposal: Are refrigerant recapture, reclaim and disposal covered?
5. Permits, code and modifications: Covered at all? Up to how much?
6. Line sets: Covered, or excluded?
7. Regulation clauses: Is there a special, lower limit if regulations prevent repair or replacement?
8. Cash in lieu: How is the cash amount calculated - company cost, negotiated rates, or estimated retail?
9. Aggregate limits: Is there an annual limit across all claims?
10. Service fee and waiting period: What will each claim cost, and when does coverage start?

How the companies we track stack up for AC

• Strongest refrigerant coverage: First American (100% of refrigerant on Premium and real estate plans; $20/lb on Starter and Essential), and American Home Shield ShieldPlatinum (all refrigerant costs per AHS's coverage page; confirm in your agreement).
• Explicit upgrade language for SEER/refrigerant standards: American Home Shield and 2-10, within their AC limits.
• Permits and modifications: AHS ShieldPlatinum (up to $250 each per term).
• Refrigerant recovery covered: AHS (per contract language) and Choice (when required for diagnosis, repair or replacement).
• Most limited for transition-era replacements: Select (refrigerant excluded without an add-on, low item caps) and The Home Service Club ($2,000 annual HVAC limit, line sets and recovery excluded). Home Warranty of America's $1,000 regulation clause and upgrade exclusion also deserve attention.

This is a snapshot of published terms as of October 2026, not a guarantee of how any claim will be handled. Read the sample contract for your state before buying.

→ Compare all home warranty companies

→ American Home Shield vs First American

Ask your contractor

• What refrigerant does my system use, and how old is it?
• What exactly failed, and can it be repaired with R-410A parts?
• If replacement is needed, is a matching pre-2025 R-410A component available, or does this require a new A2L system?
• Can my existing line set be reused under the manufacturer's instructions?
• Will the job require a permit, electrical work, a refrigerant detection system or other code work?
• Does the replacement meet my region's SEER2 minimum?
• How many pounds of refrigerant will be used, and at what price?
• Can you put the diagnosis and recommendation in writing?

Ask your warranty company

• What's my AC limit, and how much of it remains this term?
• How is refrigerant covered on this claim - per pound or in full?
• Does my contract cover matching components and upgrades for SEER or refrigerant standards?
• Are refrigerant recovery, disposal, permits and line sets covered?
• If you offer cash instead, how is the amount calculated? Can I see the itemization?
• Can I use my own contractor if your network can't respond quickly?
• Can you put the approval, including amounts, in writing?

Myth: "R-410A is banned, so my AC has to be replaced."

False. The EPA's rules don't limit the use of existing systems. R-410A systems can be repaired and recharged indefinitely.

Myth: "No R-410A systems can be installed after January 1, 2026."

Outdated. That deadline existed under the December 2023 interim rule, but the EPA removed it in a final rule published May 26, 2026, effective July 27, 2026. Systems built from R-410A components made or imported before 2025 can be installed with no deadline (subject to inventory and any state rules). The 2025 cutoff on manufacturing new R-410A systems remains.

Myth: "My R-410A system can be topped up with the new refrigerant."

False. R-454B and R-32 aren't drop-in replacements, and manufacturers warn against retrofitting R-410A systems with them.

Myth: "I can just replace the outdoor unit with a new R-454B one."

Generally not. Indoor and outdoor units must be matched for the same refrigerant class, so a new A2L outdoor unit needs a compatible indoor coil or air handler.

Myth: "The new refrigerants are dangerous."

R-454B and R-32 are classified A2L - lower toxicity and lower flammability - and equipment using them must meet the UL 60335-2-40 safety standard, which includes requirements such as refrigerant detection for many systems. Installation by a properly trained, licensed contractor matters.

Myth: "My home warranty covers everything if my AC can't be fixed because of the new rules."

Not necessarily. Coverage depends on your contract's AC limit, refrigerant limit, upgrade clause, exclusions and cash-in-lieu terms. Some contracts cap payouts at a low amount when regulations prevent repair or replacement.

Myth: "There's still a federal tax credit for a new heat pump."

Not for 2026 installations. The Section 25C credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.

The transition isn't over. Here's what to watch.

• Litigation over the 2026 rule. Eighteen states, the District of Columbia and New York City have asked the D.C. Circuit to review the EPA's May 2026 rule, and industry groups filed separate petitions on other provisions. A court decision could change the rules again.
• Dwindling R-410A equipment inventory. No new R-410A residential systems have been manufactured since 2025, so the supply of pre-2025 condensers and matched systems shrinks over time - making conversions to A2L systems more common for replacements.
• The 2029 phasedown step. Allowed HFC supply drops to 30% of baseline in 2029, and the industry expects R-410A refrigerant prices to rise as supply tightens.
• Codes catching up. As more states and cities adopt the 2024 model codes and their successors, A2L installation requirements will become more uniform.
• Contract updates. Watch for home warranty companies revising refrigerant limits, upgrade clauses and AC limits. Read the sample contract at each renewal.

For homeowners, the practical takeaway is stable: keep existing systems well maintained, know your contract, and plan financially for an eventual replacement - with or without a home warranty.

It depends on your contract. Some contracts, such as American Home Shield's and 2-10's published terms, cover upgrades needed for compatibility or compliance with SEER, HSPF or refrigerant standards during a covered replacement - within the AC limit. Others exclude incompatibility upgrades or cap payouts when regulations prevent repair. Most also reserve the right to pay cash instead, based on the company's cost or estimate.

Commonly $10 per pound on standard tiers (for example, AHS ShieldSilver and ShieldGold, 2-10, and Home Warranty of America's 2022 contract). First American covers up to $20 per pound on Starter and Essential plans and 100% on Premium and real estate plans. AHS states that ShieldPlatinum covers all AC refrigerant costs. Select excludes refrigerant unless you buy optional Freon coverage.

Its production and import are being stepped down under the AIM Act, not banned outright, and it can't be used in new residential systems manufactured or imported since January 1, 2025. Existing systems can be serviced with R-410A indefinitely, including with reclaimed refrigerant.

Possibly, from remaining inventory. Under the EPA's 2026 rule, systems built from specified components manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025 can be installed with no deadline. Availability depends on what's left, and some states may have their own restrictions. Any installation must also meet regional SEER2 efficiency minimums.

Not directly. Furnaces don't use refrigerant. But if your furnace or air handler houses the indoor coil for your air conditioner or heat pump, a conversion to an A2L system may involve replacing or modifying that indoor equipment.

Several reasons: manufacturers have raised equipment prices (Carrier said R-454B systems run about 10% more than R-410A equivalents, with 15-20% total increases expected over two years); an R-454B cylinder shortage in 2025 drove refrigerant prices up; tariffs and raw materials have added costs; and conversions require matched components and safety devices. Local labor costs also vary.

Many do, but often with specific terms or lower limits, and some plans exclude certain configurations. Mini-splits use the same refrigerant rules as other residential systems. Check your contract's air conditioning section for ductless or multi-zone systems.

If your contract doesn't cover matching or upgrade costs, yes. When a new outdoor unit requires a matched indoor coil, the coil may be treated as an upgrade. AHS and 2-10 state they cover upgrades for compatibility with refrigerant standards within the AC limit; Home Warranty of America states it doesn't cover incompatibility upgrades unless an optional upgrade is purchased. Read your contract's upgrade clause.

Generally there's no regulatory reason to replace a working system - the rules don't require it, and repairs remain legal indefinitely. Consider early replacement only if the system is old, inefficient or failing repeatedly, and weigh it against your budget, efficiency gains and how your home warranty would treat a future failure.

A2L is an ASHRAE Standard 34 safety classification: "A" means lower toxicity, and "2L" means lower flammability. R-454B and R-32 are A2L refrigerants. Equipment using them must meet the UL 60335-2-40 safety standard, which includes refrigerant leak detection requirements for many systems.

This guide was researched and written by the Top Home Warranty editorial team in October 2026. We relied on primary sources wherever possible:

• Federal rules and guidance: the Federal Register (EPA Technology Transitions rule, October 2023; interim final rule, December 26, 2023; final rule removing the installation deadline, 91 FR 31284, May 26, 2026), EPA fact sheets and frequently asked questions on the HFC phasedown and on repairing home air conditioners, EPA guidance on the R-22 phaseout, Department of Energy 2023 central air conditioner standards FAQ, and Congressional Research Service reports on the AIM Act.
• Tax: IRS guidance on the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and on Public Law 119-21.
• Industry and market: ACHR News and Contracting Business reporting on the 2025 R-454B shortage, Honeywell's surcharge, manufacturer price increases and R-410A inventories; manufacturers' statements (Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman); ACCA; the International Code Council; and HARDI distributor data as reported by ACHR News.
• Home warranty contracts: sample contracts, coverage pages, brochures and FAQs published by American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, Select Home Warranty, First American Home Warranty, Home Warranty of America, The Home Service Club and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, and Frontdoor, Inc.'s 2025-2026 earnings releases, call transcripts and SEC filings.
• Regulators: the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the California Insurance Code and regulations.

Some company documents conflict with one another (for example, refrigerant limits stated differently in different AHS and HWA materials); we note those conflicts rather than choosing a figure. Contractor price estimates vary widely and are presented as rough ranges. Earnings-call remarks are paraphrased from published summaries and transcripts. Contract terms vary by state, plan and version - your signed contract controls.

We may earn a commission from some links on this site. That never changes the facts we report. See how we rank and our editorial policy, and read our complete home warranty guide for everything beyond air conditioning.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax, insurance or HVAC engineering advice. Consult a licensed HVAC contractor about your system and read your home warranty contract before relying on coverage.