Why Is My AC Still Using Older Refrigerant, and Does That Matter?

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Why older refrigerant is being phased out

Air conditioners move heat using a refrigerant that cycles between liquid and gas. Older refrigerants were phased out for environmental reasons, and Canada follows international agreements on this. R-22 (often called Freon) was the standard for decades, but its production and import were phased out because it harms the ozone layer. R-410A replaced it, but R-410A has a high global-warming potential, so it is now being phased down under newer rules in favour of lower-impact refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B.

The key point for homeowners: the refrigerant sealed inside a properly working AC is not leaking into the air or costing you anything extra. A sealed system holds the same charge for its whole life. The phase-out only becomes your problem when the system needs more refrigerant added, which means there is a leak somewhere.

Does it matter for my day-to-day cooling?

In normal operation, no. An older R-22 or R-410A system cools your home exactly as it did when installed. Refrigerant type does not change your electricity bill or comfort on its own. What matters is whether the equipment is efficient, sized correctly, and sealed.

Where it does matter is repairs. If your system springs a refrigerant leak, here is the difference:

• R-22 systems: R-22 is no longer manufactured or imported into Canada, so any refrigerant used for a top-up comes from reclaimed stock. That makes it scarce and expensive, and it can make repairing an older leaking unit uneconomical.
• R-410A systems: still widely available today, but as the phase-down continues, expect prices to climb over the coming years. Repairs are generally still practical for now.
• Newer refrigerants (R-32, R-454B): these are what most new systems use going forward and will be the easiest to service long term.

What to actually do about it

You do not need to rush out and replace a healthy AC just because of its refrigerant. A sensible plan looks like this:

• If your AC works fine, leave it alone and keep up with annual maintenance so small issues get caught before they become leaks.
• If it is leaking refrigerant, get a proper diagnosis first. Repeatedly topping up an older R-22 system is throwing money away because the leak will keep coming back.
• If the unit is also 12 to 15 years old and needs a costly refrigerant-related repair, that is often the point where replacement makes more financial sense than repair.
• When you do replace, a modern heat pump or high-efficiency AC on a current refrigerant also opens the door to CleanBC and FortisBC rebate programs, which are worth checking before you buy.

One practical note for Metro Vancouver: our summers are getting hotter, and many homes are adding cooling for the first time. If you are already planning a change, choosing current equipment now saves you from servicing a phased-out refrigerant later.

When to call a professional

Refrigerant work is not a DIY job in Canada. Handling refrigerant legally requires certification, and adding refrigerant without fixing the underlying leak is both wasteful and against best practice. If your AC is warm, icing up, or you suspect a leak, that is the time to call. A CANRO technician can confirm which refrigerant your system uses, pinpoint any leak, and give you an honest repair-versus-replace picture with a free written quote rather than pressuring an upgrade.

CANRO Heating & Cooling has served Metro Vancouver since 1999. We are Red Seal certified, licensed through Technical Safety BC, and insured through WorkSafeBC. Call (604) 359-1081 or email info@canroheat.ca for a diagnostic visit.

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Reviewed by the CANRO Heating & Cooling service team — July 07, 2026. Technical Safety BC gas licence LGA0043870 · boiler licence LBP0046450 · Red Seal certified · WorkSafeBC and liability insured · 4.9★ from 85+ Google reviews · serving Metro Vancouver since 1999 · (604) 359-1081.