Yes, heat pumps use refrigerant, but modern units use alternatives to the older freon
Heat pumps need a refrigerant to move heat between indoors and outdoors. Older heat pumps used R-22 refrigerant, commonly called freon, but that chemical has been phased out in the United States since 2020. New heat pumps use R-410A, R-32, or other low-GWP refrigerants that are less harmful to the ozone layer and contribute less to climate change.
If you own a heat pump made before 2010, it likely contains R-22. If it was made after 2010, it almost certainly uses R-410A or a newer refrigerant. The type matters because it affects repair costs, availability of service technicians, and how long your unit will be supported by manufacturers.
You do not need to replace a working heat pump just because it uses an older refrigerant. But if it develops a leak or needs servicing, you should know what you have and what your options are.
Key Takeaways
- R-22 (freon) was phased out in 2020, so new heat pumps cannot be manufactured with it, but existing units can still be serviced.
- Most heat pumps made after 2010 use R-410A, which is the current standard for residential units.
- Refrigerant leaks are the most common reason you will need to know what type your heat pump contains, because different refrigerants require different repair procedures.
- Switching refrigerants in an existing heat pump is not practical — if your R-22 unit needs a major repair, replacement is usually the better choice.
- Service technicians must be certified to handle refrigerants, and availability of R-22 technicians is declining as the chemical becomes rarer.
What refrigerant your heat pump contains depends on when it was made
The age of your heat pump is the strongest indicator of which refrigerant it uses. Units manufactured before 2010 almost always contain R-22. Units made between 2010 and 2015 typically use R-410A. Units made after 2015 may use R-410A, R-32, or proprietary blends that manufacturers have developed.
You can find the refrigerant type on a label inside the outdoor unit or in your owner's manual. Look for a sticker on the compressor or the side of the cabinet — it will list the refrigerant name and the amount in pounds. If you cannot find it, a service technician can identify it by looking at the unit's model number.
The nameplate also tells you the charge weight, which matters if you ever need to add refrigerant. Technicians must use the exact type and amount specified by the manufacturer.
Why R-22 is being phased out and what replaced it
R-22 damages the ozone layer and was banned under the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed in 1987. The United States set a important date of January 1, 2020, after which no new air conditioning or heat pump equipment could be manufactured with R-22. Existing units can still be serviced, but the supply of new R-22 is limited and the price has risen sharply.
R-410A became the standard replacement starting around 2010. It does not damage the ozone layer, but it does have a higher global warming potential than newer options. R-410A is still widely used and will likely remain the standard for several more years because it works well in existing equipment designs.
Newer refrigerants like R-32 and proprietary blends have lower global warming potential and are more efficient, but they require equipment redesigned to handle them safely. Not all technicians are trained to work with these newer types yet, so availability varies by region.
What happens if your heat pump has a refrigerant leak
A refrigerant leak is one of the most common reasons homeowners need to know what type their heat pump contains. If your unit is not cooling or heating as well as it used to, or if you hear hissing sounds from the outdoor unit, you may have a leak.
A certified technician will locate the leak, repair it, and then recharge the system with the correct refrigerant. The repair cost depends on the size of the leak and the type of refrigerant. R-22 recharges are now expensive — sometimes $200 to $400 per pound — because the supply is limited. R-410A recharges typically cost $100 to $200 per pound.
If your R-22 heat pump is more than 10 years old and develops a major leak, replacement is often cheaper than repair. A new unit will use a modern refrigerant, be more efficient, and come with a warranty.
Can you switch refrigerants in an existing heat pump
Switching from R-22 to R-410A or another refrigerant in an existing heat pump is not practical and is not recommended by manufacturers. The two refrigerants have different properties — different pressures, different oil compatibility, and different heat transfer characteristics. A heat pump designed for R-22 will not work correctly with R-410A, even if you replace the refrigerant.
Some technicians may tell you they can convert an R-22 unit to R-410A, but this requires flushing the entire system, replacing the compressor oil, and potentially replacing other components. The cost approaches or exceeds the cost of a new unit, and the result is not as reliable as equipment designed from the start for the new refrigerant.
If your R-22 heat pump needs a major repair, replacement is the more sensible choice. New units are more efficient, use safer refrigerants, and come with manufacturer support for 10 to 15 years.
How to find a technician who can service your heat pump
Any technician who services air conditioning or heat pumps must hold an EPA Section 608 certification, which shows they are trained to handle refrigerants safely and legally. When you call for service, ask the company whether they have technicians certified for your refrigerant type.
For R-22 units, availability is tightening. Some companies have stopped servicing R-22 equipment altogether because the refrigerant is expensive and the work is becoming less common. If your unit is old and uses R-22, call ahead and confirm the company will work on it before scheduling a visit.
For R-410A and newer refrigerants, most HVAC companies have trained technicians. If you are having trouble finding someone, contact the manufacturer directly — they maintain lists of authorized service providers in your area.
Refrigerant type and your heat pump's lifespan
The refrigerant your heat pump uses does not directly determine how long the unit will last. A well-maintained R-22 unit can run for 15 to 20 years. An R-410A unit can last just as long. What matters more is whether the refrigerant will still be available and affordable if your unit needs service.
For R-22 units, the window for affordable service is closing. As the refrigerant becomes rarer, repair costs will continue to rise. If you own an R-22 heat pump that is 12 years old or older, it makes sense to budget for replacement within the next few years rather than wait for an emergency repair.
For R-410A and newer units, you have less to worry about. These refrigerants will remain available for decades, and technician training will continue to expand. A new heat pump installed today will have strong service support throughout its lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get R-22 refrigerant for my heat pump?
Yes, but it is expensive and becoming harder to find. R-22 production ended in 2020, so all remaining supplies come from stockpiles and recovered refrigerant. Prices have risen to $200 to $400 per pound, compared to $100 to $200 for R-410A. Some HVAC companies have stopped stocking it because demand is low and storage is costly.
Is it safe to run a heat pump with low refrigerant?
No. Low refrigerant causes the compressor to work harder, which generates excess heat and can damage it permanently. If you suspect a leak, stop using the unit and call a technician. Running it will only make the repair more expensive.
Do I need to replace my heat pump if it uses R-22?
Not when ready, but you should plan for it. If the unit is working well, you can keep it running. But if it develops a leak or the compressor fails, replacement is usually cheaper than repair. A new unit will be more efficient and use a modern refrigerant with better long-term support.
What is the difference between R-410A and R-32?
R-32 has a lower global warming potential, meaning it contributes less to climate change. It is also slightly more efficient. However, R-410A is still the standard in most residential heat pumps because equipment designed for it is proven and widely available. R-32 is becoming more common in new units, especially in Europe and Asia.
How do I know if my heat pump is leaking refrigerant?
Signs include reduced heating or cooling output, ice buildup on the outdoor unit, hissing or bubbling sounds, and higher energy bills. If you notice any of these, call a technician. They can test the system and locate the leak without opening it up.