The refrigerant change in California
Since January 1, 2025, new home air conditioning systems sold in California have had to use a refrigerant with a global warming potential under 750. That rules out R-410A in new systems. It doesn't stop you from repairing the one you have.
What changed
The California Air Resources Board's HFC Regulation set a 750 GWP limit for new residential air conditioning equipment, other than room units and VRF systems, starting January 1, 2025. The federal EPA rule set a 700 GWP limit for new residential systems from the same date. New systems now use refrigerants such as R-32 or R-454B. The EPA notes both are mildly flammable and may only be used in equipment designed for them.
If you have an R-410A system
- The EPA says you can keep using it and repairing it.
- A failed part can be replaced with an R-410A part made for servicing existing equipment.
- Fix the leak rather than topping it off. Refrigerant that leaks out has to be bought again next summer.
Many homes built in Rosedale, Seven Oaks and southwest Bakersfield in the 2000s and 2010s have R-410A systems, so this applies to a lot of the area.
If you are replacing the system
A new system uses one of the new refrigerants, and its outdoor unit and indoor coil have to be designed for it. Ask the contractor which refrigerant the quoted equipment uses and whether the indoor coil is being replaced too. Installation and replacement.
As part of the Department of Energy's Southwest region, California has required at least 14.3 SEER2 for split-system air conditioners under 45,000 Btu/h since 2023.
Questions Bakersfield homeowners ask
Do I have to replace my R-410A air conditioner?
No. The EPA says existing systems can keep running and can be repaired, including with R-410A parts made for servicing existing equipment.
What refrigerant do new AC systems use in California?
Refrigerants under CARB's 750 GWP limit, most often R-32 or R-454B. Ask which one the quoted equipment uses.
Sources
- California Air Resources Board: Air-conditioning Equipment under the HFC Regulation (accessed October 29, 2026)
- US EPA: Technology Transitions HFC Restrictions by Sector (updated August 28, 2026)
- US EPA: Frequent Questions on the Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons (updated September 14, 2026)
- US DOE: 2023 Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Standards FAQ (October 5, 2022)