How Refrigerant Pricing Has Changed Over Time

Refrigerant prices have generally gone up over the years. The main reason is that older refrigerants keep getting phased out, which limits supply and raises cost. Each time the rules change, the older refrigerant becomes harder to find and more expensive.

The pattern of phase-outs

Over the past few decades, the industry has moved from one group of refrigerants to the next, each one cleaner than the last. Every shift followed a similar pattern. Once a refrigerant was scheduled to phase out, its supply shrank and its price climbed.

From R-22 to R-410A

R-22 was the standard home AC refrigerant for years. As rules began to phase it out, prices rose. The United States stopped making new R-22 in 2020, and the remaining supply became costly. R-410A then became the common replacement.

The R-410A phase-down

R-410A is now in its own phase-down under the AIM Act. Since 2022, the law has cut back how much can be made each year. With strong demand and shrinking supply, R-410A prices have risen well above their earlier levels.

The history of refrigerant pricing shows a clear trend. As each refrigerant is phased out, its price rises while supply falls. Planning ahead can help avoid the steepest costs.

What comes next

Newer refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 are now used in new equipment. These have a lower impact on the climate. Early on, new refrigerants can also be pricey because supply is still ramping up.

What this means for buyers

If your system uses an older refrigerant, costs are likely to keep rising over time. Buying from a supplier with steady, fair pricing helps. IceCold tracks the market closely to keep pricing competitive for qualified buyers. As always, installation must be done by an EPA Section 608 certified pro.