Short answer: In January 2015, the federal government started the phase-out of the refrigerant R-22. This is a refrigerant that is commonly used in home air conditioners. Does that mean it’s time to replace your AC?
The phase-out of both manufactured and imported R-22 as an air conditioning refrigerant is part of the government’s commitment to reduce the effect of greenhouse gasses on the environment. The phase-out is scheduled to be completed by 2020.
An article in the ACHR News gives a good account of the R-22 Phaseout Plan. Over the next few years, as R-22 becomes scarce, its price will continue to increase. If your air conditioner uses R-22, the change might not affect you immediately unless there is a leak in your system which calls for the replacement of the refrigerant. However, in time, you will eventually have to look at alternative refrigerants to replace your current system.
The Different Types of Refrigerant for Commercial AC Systems
- R-22. It is a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and contributes to the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer.
- R-410A. Common brand names for this refrigerant are Puron, Suva1900 and GenetronAZ-20. It is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in new AC systems, as it does not contribute to ozone depletion. The operating pressures of R-410A are over 50% higher than R-22, so your present system would need to be able to withstand these higher pressures.
- R-407C. This has brand names like Suva407C or Genetron407C. As an HFC it doesn’t affect the ozone layer. This refrigerant most closely matches the operating characteristics of R-22. It, therefore, offers the easiest conversion from R-22.
- R-134a. This HFC refrigerant is widely used for air conditioning and refrigeration throughout the world. It was the first ozone-friendly fluorocarbon to be used in commercial applications.
Why We Recommend R-410A Refrigerant
R-410A has become the industry standard for residential cooling systems because it offers superior efficiency and zero ozone depletion potential. It operates at higher pressures, which allows for better heat transfer and more efficient cooling cycles. Modern AC units designed for R-410A also tend to have higher SEER ratings, translating to lower energy bills. While conversion from an R-22 system requires new equipment, the long-term benefits of reliable refrigerant supply, better efficiency, and environmental responsibility make R-410A the smart choice for Las Vegas homeowners planning ahead.
Use our energy savings calculator to estimate your potential savings.
Deciding: Repair, Retrofit, or Replace Your R-22 AC
A clear decision checklist and realistic thresholds help homeowners choose the most cost-effective path.
Decision checklist
- Age of system: If your system is more than 10 to 15 years old, replacement is usually the smarter long-term choice.
- Repair history: Multiple compressor or major component failures in recent years favor replacement.
- Leak and recharge costs: Because R-22 supply is limited, recharges can cost hundreds to thousands depending on leak size. If a single recharge costs a significant portion of a new system, replace.
- Efficiency goals: If you want lower bills and modern controls, replacement allows higher SEER units and smart thermostat compatibility.
Step-by-step: what to do next
- - Step 1: Schedule a diagnostic inspection with an EPA-certified technician to identify leaks, measure pressures, and verify refrigerant type.
- - Step 2: Get a written estimate for (a) repair and leak sealing including projected future recharge needs and (b) replacement with projected energy savings and payback. If you plan to upgrade thermostats, consider energy-saving models and learn why many homeowners choose smart thermostats.
- - Step 3: Compare replacement quotes that include matched indoor coil and outdoor unit pricing and ask about AHRI-certified matches. Our readers find coil-match guidance useful when selecting equipment.
- - Step 4: If you replace, request a timeline that avoids peak summer cooling demand and ask about permits, disposal of old refrigerant, and warranty coverage.
Safety and compliance
- Only hire technicians who recover and dispose of refrigerant legally and who carry EPA 608 certification.
- For major replacements, get a written warranty and ask about parts warranty transfer if you sell the home.
Why a full replacement often makes sense in Las Vegas
- High run-time during hot months means an older system will continue to cost more to operate and will be more likely to fail when you need it most.
- A modern R-410A or newer refrigerant system improves reliability and offers better parts availability and service options in the Las Vegas market.
If you’d like, The Cooling Company can send a licensed technician to inspect your R-22 unit, document the findings, and provide a repair vs replace quote tailored to your home and neighborhood. For a detailed cost comparison and system options, see our pricing guide for Lennox systems.
Check our HVAC pricing guide for current cost estimates.
Why R-410A is generally the best long-term choice
Why R-410A is generally the best long-term choice
- Higher heat transfer efficiency. R-410A allows compressors to run cooler and more efficiently than R-22 in matched systems, improving longevity and cutting energy use during Las Vegas summers.
- Industry standard for new residential and light commercial installs, so parts and warranties are widely available.
- Because R-410A systems are designed around higher operating pressures, manufacturers optimize compressors, coils, and safety controls specifically for this refrigerant.
Important warnings and realistic expectations
Important warnings and realistic expectations
- Do not mix R-410A with R-22 or attempt to retrofit an R-22 system with R-410A without replacing the compressor and matched coil. Mixing refrigerants or improper retrofits can damage equipment and void warranties.
- Only EPA 608-certified technicians should handle refrigerant recovery, disposal, and charging. Unauthorized handling can be illegal and dangerous.
- Converting an R-22 system to R-410A typically requires new compressors, metering devices, and coils. Often, full system replacement is the most cost-effective and reliable option.
Actionable step for homeowners
What to ask your technician
- - Show me the nameplate and tell me which refrigerant is installed.
- - If you recommend a retrofit, provide a written compatibility assessment and warranty impact.
- - Ask for a replacement quote that shows expected SEER, estimated savings, and payback. Compare replacement options with our guide to system pricing.
Las Vegas Timing and Neighborhood Considerations for R-22 Replacement
Choosing when to replace or retrofit an R-22 system depends on local climate, seasonal demand, and neighborhood factors.
- Best timing: schedule inspections and major work in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) when temperatures are milder and contractors have better availability. Avoid scheduling major replacements during peak Las Vegas summer (June–September).
- Neighborhood considerations:
- Older central Las Vegas and vintage Summerlin homes often have older equipment and may need whole-system replacement.
- Newer developments in Henderson and newer phases of Summerlin typically already use R-410A or higher-efficiency systems.
- Utility and rebate opportunities: check NV Energy and local incentive programs before replacement. Rebates can lower installed costs for high-efficiency equipment.
- Practical tip: book inspections early in spring and request an equipment readiness estimate so you can plan financing or take advantage of offseason discounts.
- - If you own a property in Summerlin and are comparing coil and condensing unit compatibility, confirm AHRI-certified matches and review coil pairing steps.
How to identify which refrigerant your system uses
How to identify which refrigerant your system uses
- Check the outdoor unit nameplate or the AHRI/Manufacturer label. It will usually list the refrigerant type (for example R-22 or R-410A).
- If the label is unreadable, note the unit age. Most residential systems installed before the mid-2000s use R-22. Las Vegas homes in older neighborhoods like parts of Downtown and older Summerlin often still have legacy equipment.
- If you’re unsure, have an EPA 608-certified technician perform a pressure check and confirm the refrigerant type before any work.
Key facts for homeowners
Key facts for homeowners
- R-22 (an HCFC) is phased out for manufacturing and import. As a result, reclaimed R-22 is scarce and expensive in the market.
- R-410A (an HFC) runs at higher pressures and requires matched components rated for R-410A. That means you cannot simply drop R-410A into a R-22 system.
- R-407C and R-134a are other options in certain commercial or retrofit scenarios, but compatibility, efficiency, and manufacturer approvals vary. Only a licensed tech should evaluate retrofit suitability.
Practical tip: before any work
Quick pre-inspection checklist
- - Photograph the outdoor unit nameplate and serial number.
- - Note the last service dates and any history of leaks or recharges.
- - Ask your technician for the AHRI certificate or equipment match information if considering partial component replacement. If replacing coil or condensing unit, verify coil pairing compatibility with resources such as our Lennox coil pairing guide.
Local Las Vegas context
Local Las Vegas context
- High ambient temperatures in Las Vegas increase run time and stress on older R-22 systems, making leaks and compressor failures more likely during long summers.
- In neighborhoods with newer construction such as newer Summerlin phases or Henderson developments, R-410A systems are common. In older subdivisions you may still find R-22 systems that need evaluation.
Local essentials and challenges for Las Vegas
Las Vegas heat drives long runtime and higher system pressures, which makes weak joints and aging coils more likely to leak. Summer scheduling is also tight for contractors, so spring and fall inspections are the safest windows for planning a retrofit or replacement.
Local cost drivers for R-22 replacement
- Refrigerant availability and reclaimed R-22 pricing volatility.
- Coil or condenser compatibility and the need for matched replacements.
- Electrical upgrades and code compliance for new high-efficiency systems.
- Peak-season labor premiums and expedited permit timelines.
Decision guidance: repair, retrofit, or replace
- Repair: only if the system is newer, leak is small, and total repair cost is low.
- Retrofit: only when the manufacturer approves the refrigerant and parts are compatible.
- Replace: best if the unit is 10–15+ years old, leaks recur, or parts are scarce.
Prevention and risk reduction
Reduce failure risk by keeping coils clean, replacing filters on schedule, and fixing airflow restrictions that raise pressure and temperature. In Las Vegas, annual pre-summer inspections help catch leaks before peak demand. Always use EPA 608-certified technicians for refrigerant handling.
Neighborhoods we serve
We support homeowners across Summerlin, Spring Valley, Enterprise, Henderson, Green Valley, North Las Vegas, and Downtown. Older neighborhoods are more likely to have legacy R-22 equipment, while newer developments tend to use R-410A or newer refrigerants.
Trust and guarantees
- Serving Las Vegas since 2011 with 55+ years combined experience.
- Licensed, EPA-certified, and NATE-certified technicians.
- BBB A+ rated with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Lennox Premier Dealer with documented refrigerant recovery logs.
Map: The Cooling Company in Las Vegas
Related service: Thinking about replacing your AC system? Explore our AC replacement and AC installation services for Las Vegas homeowners.
Need HVAC Service in Las Vegas?
The Cooling Company provides expert HVAC service throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Our licensed technicians deliver honest assessments, upfront pricing, and reliable results.
Call (702) 567-0707 or visit AC repair, maintenance, heating, or installation for details.