Repairing an R-410A system
Reasonable, especially if it's under 10 years old. Fix leaks instead of topping off refrigerant.
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Guide · Florida
SEER2 and the new refrigerants, explained
Two federal changes affect every AC sold in Florida: higher efficiency minimums in 2023 and new refrigerants in 2025. Here's what they mean for a repair or a replacement.
- Florida's SEER2 minimums
- R-454B and R-32 vs. R-410A
- What it means for your system
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Efficiency
SEER2 minimums in Florida
Since January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy has rated air conditioners and heat pumps with SEER2, a tougher test than the old SEER. Florida sits in the DOE's Southeast region, which has higher minimums for central air conditioners than northern states.
The rule goes by installation date, so a system installed here today has to meet these numbers.
| System | Minimum |
|---|---|
| AC under 3.75 tons | 14.3 SEER2 |
| AC 3.75 tons and up | 13.8 SEER2 |
| Split heat pump | 14.3 SEER2 · 7.5 HSPF2 |
3.75 tons is 45,000 Btu/h. Source: DOE 2023 standards FAQ.
Refrigerants
Why new systems use a different refrigerant
Under the federal AIM Act, the EPA required home AC and heat pump systems made from January 1, 2025 to use refrigerants with a lower global warming impact. Most new systems now use R-454B or R-32 in place of R-410A. These are classed A2L, or mildly flammable, so the equipment and installation follow updated safety rules.
In May 2026, the EPA finalized a rule letting contractors keep installing R-410A equipment made before 2025 until that stock runs out, instead of stopping on January 1, 2026.
Source: ACHR News on the EPA rule.
- Existing R-410A systems are fine.They can keep running and be repaired.
- R-410A supply is shrinking.Production is being phased down, so recharges may cost more over time.
- Old and new don't mix.A new R-454B or R-32 outdoor unit generally can't be paired with an old R-410A indoor coil.
- R-22 is done.It hasn't been made or imported in the U.S. since 2020.
What to do
What this means for you
Replacing your system
Expect a matched outdoor and indoor unit, likely on a new refrigerant, sized by a load calculation.
Still on R-22
When it breaks, replacing usually beats repairing. Check with the calculator.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I have to replace my R-410A system?
No. Existing R-410A systems can keep running and be repaired. The rules apply to newly made equipment.
Can a new outdoor unit work with my old indoor coil?
Generally not if the new unit uses R-454B or R-32. Outdoor and indoor units are rated as a matched set, so a replacement usually means both.
Is SEER2 the same as SEER?
No. SEER2 uses a tougher test, so the numbers run lower and aren't directly comparable with old SEER ratings.
Related services
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AC repair
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AC giving you trouble?
Call (813) 489-6854 any time, or send the form for service or a quote on a new system.