Yes, heat pumps use refrigerant in both heating and cooling mode, but not every heat pump uses R-22, often called Freon. Older equipment may still contain R-22. Other systems use R-410A or a newer refrigerant specified by the manufacturer. Check the unit’s nameplate to identify what your system uses rather than relying on its installation date alone.
A heat pump moves heat between your home and its surroundings. Refrigerant carries that heat through the system. Understanding the refrigerant type can help you discuss maintenance, repair, and replacement options with a technician.
Why Is Freon No Longer Used in New Heat Pumps?
R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant that damages the ozone layer. U.S. production and import of R-22 for normal servicing ended on January 1, 2020. That restriction does not mean an existing R-22 heat pump must be removed or cannot be repaired.
According to the EPA’s R-22 homeowner guidance, existing equipment can continue operating, and servicing can use reclaimed refrigerant or supplies produced before the phaseout. Ask your technician about availability and the repair estimate before deciding what to do.
If an older unit needs a substantial repair, compare that cost with heat pump replacement options. Consider its condition, repair history, and ability to keep your home comfortable. The refrigerant phaseout alone is not a requirement to replace working equipment.
What About Heat Pumps That Use R-410A?
R-410A became common after R-22. It does not deplete the ozone layer, but it has a high global warming potential. New equipment is transitioning toward lower-global-warming-potential refrigerants.
The rules for new equipment are different from those for servicing an existing system. The EPA’s HFC phasedown FAQs explain that owners can continue using and repairing existing equipment. The transition does not create a blanket requirement to replace a working R-410A heat pump.
Refrigerants are not interchangeable. Do not assume a newer refrigerant can be added to an older system: the equipment must be designed and approved for it. A qualified technician should identify the refrigerant and follow the manufacturer’s service requirements.
How Does Refrigerant Work in a Heat Pump?
Refrigerant circulates through coils, a compressor, and an expansion device. It absorbs heat as it evaporates and releases heat as it condenses. The compressor raises the vapor’s pressure and temperature; the expansion device lowers pressure and temperature before the refrigerant returns to the evaporating coil.
Cooling Your Home
In cooling mode, refrigerant absorbs heat at the indoor coil and evaporates. The compressor raises the vapor’s pressure and temperature. At the outdoor coil, the refrigerant releases heat to the outside air and condenses. It then passes through the expansion device before returning indoors to absorb more heat.
Heating Your Home
A reversing valve changes the flow so the coils swap roles. The outdoor coil absorbs heat, and the compressor raises the refrigerant’s temperature before it reaches the indoor coil. The indoor coil releases heat into the home. Refrigerant then passes through the expansion device and returns to the outdoor coil to repeat the cycle.
The Department of Energy’s heat pump overview explains how this heat transfer provides both heating and cooling. A heat pump still needs its refrigerant circuit when heating, even though it is not cooling the house.
How Can You Identify Your Heat Pump’s Refrigerant?
Look for the refrigerant designation on the equipment nameplate or in the manufacturer’s documentation. If the label is unclear, share the model number with your service technician. Let the technician confirm the refrigerant and evaluate the system before refrigerant is added or a replacement is selected.
Expert HVAC Services in Los Angeles County
Temp Air System Inc. provides heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance for customers in La Puente and surrounding Los Angeles County communities. If your system is not heating or cooling as expected, explore our heat pump repair services. Symptoms alone do not establish that refrigerant is the cause.
Contact Temp Air System Inc. to request service. Include your service address, equipment model if available, and whether the problem occurs during heating, cooling, or both. Our team can discuss the next steps for your system.
