R32 vs R410A: What Every HVAC Installer Needs to Know in 2026
R32 vs R410A: What Every HVAC Installer Needs to Know in 2026
By Fastflex Heating & Cooling Supplies | Published 2026 | 6 min read
There's a lot of confusion in the industry right now about R32 vs R410A — particularly since the Australian regulatory changes that came into effect in July 2025. Here's a clear, accurate breakdown of what's actually changed, what hasn't, and what it means for your work.
The Short Version
R410A is being gradually phased down — but it's far from gone. It's still used in a huge range of equipment including commercial VRF systems, large ducted units and plenty of stock currently on shelves. What changed from 1 July 2025 is that it became illegal to import or manufacture small multi-head split systems specifically using HFC refrigerants with a GWP above 750. R410A has a GWP of 2,088, which puts it over that threshold for that equipment category. For commercial VRF, larger ducted systems and servicing existing equipment, R410A remains widely available and in active use.
| R410A | R32 | |
|---|---|---|
| GWP | 2,088 | 675 |
| Flammability | A1 — non-flammable | A2L — mildly flammable |
| Energy efficiency | Baseline | ~10–15% more efficient |
| Refrigerant charge needed | More | ~20% less |
| Cost per kg | Rising as phase-out continues | Lower, stable supply |
| New installs from July 2025 | Banned in new multi-split systems | Fully compliant |
| Servicing existing systems | Still legal | N/A — cannot retrofit |
What the Australian Regulations Actually Say
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government banned the import and manufacture of small multi-head split systems using HFC refrigerants above 750 GWP. This is a targeted ban on a specific equipment category — not a blanket ban on R410A across the board. Single-head split systems, commercial VRF, large ducted and other equipment categories are not covered by this specific rule, and R410A remains available and compliant in many of those applications.
Importantly, you can still service existing R410A systems. Refrigerant for servicing remains available and will continue to be produced under a gradual phase-down until 2034. You just can't install new R410A equipment going forward.
For commercial VRF systems, the timeline is slightly different — VRF systems using R410A remain compliant for commercial installation into 2027 depending on the category. This is why the Hisense commercial VRF range, which uses R410A, is still a valid option for commercial jobs right now. Always check current compliance requirements with your supplier for specific equipment.
Key Takeaway
For all new split system and multi-head split installations from July 2025 — spec R32 equipment. For existing R410A systems, continue to service as normal. For commercial VRF, check current compliance with your supplier.
Can You Retrofit R410A Systems to R32?
No — and don't attempt it. R32 cannot be used as a drop-in replacement for R410A. The systems have different operating pressures, material compatibility requirements and safety classifications. Retrofitting voids the warranty, breaches compliance and creates genuine safety risks on site.
If a customer with an existing R410A system wants to move to R32, the answer is a full system replacement — not a recharge with the new refrigerant.
Is R32 Safe? What Installers Ask
R32 is classified A2L — mildly flammable. This sounds alarming but in practice the risk is minimal. R32 has a slow burning velocity and a high ignition threshold — it's significantly safer in real-world conditions than the classification alone might suggest.
Installed and serviced correctly by a licensed ARCtick technician, R32 is safe for both residential and commercial use. Australian installation standards and manufacturer guidelines already account for the A2L classification. Manufacturers like Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Samsung and Hisense have all shifted the majority of their new equipment to R32.
Common Questions
Questions About Refrigerants or Compliance?
The Fastflex team has over 20 years of industry experience and can help with product selection, refrigerant availability and compliance questions. Give us a call or shoot us an email.