R-410A or R-454B? What Broward Homeowners Should Know Before Replacing Their AC
Sunrise, United States - November 13, 2026 / Cooling On Demand Inc. /
As more Broward County homeowners replace aging air conditioners, many are encountering unfamiliar terms on their quotes: R-454B, R-32, A2L and SEER2. Cooling On Demand Inc., a Florida Certified Air Conditioning Contractor based in Sunrise, is releasing plain-language guidance to help homeowners understand the federal refrigerant transition, what it means for repairing an older system, and how to compare replacement options with confidence.
The change comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Technology Transitions Rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. Since January 1, 2025, new residential air conditioners and heat pumps can no longer be manufactured with refrigerants that have a global warming potential above 700. R-410A, the refrigerant used in most home systems installed over the past 15 years, has a global warming potential of about 2,088 and no longer qualifies for newly manufactured equipment.
"Homeowners hear 'refrigerant ban' and assume their AC is suddenly illegal. It is not," said Daniel "Danny" Murcia, owner of Cooling On Demand. "Your R-410A system can be repaired and serviced for years. What has changed is what goes in when you replace it, and what it costs to keep recharging an old system that leaks. We want people to have the facts before they make a decision this big."
What changed, and what did not
The key points for South Florida homeowners:
- Existing systems are fine. The rules apply to newly manufactured equipment. There is no recall, no forced replacement and no ban on servicing existing R-410A systems.
- New systems use new refrigerants. Most major manufacturers now use R-454B, with a global warming potential of about 465, while some use R-32, at about 675. Both are classified as mildly flammable (ASHRAE class A2L), so new equipment includes factory leak-detection sensors and safety controls.
- Some R-410A equipment is still being installed. In May 2026, the EPA finalized a rule removing the January 1, 2026, installation deadline for residential R-410A systems manufactured or imported before 2025. Contractors can install that remaining inventory until it runs out.
- Conversions are not an option. An R-410A system cannot be converted to R-454B. The refrigerants require different compressor tolerances, expansion valves, operating pressures and oils, and A2L equipment needs leak-detection hardware.
Why recharging an older system is getting more expensive
With production of R-410A equipment ended and refrigerant supply under a federal phasedown, R-410A prices have been rising. A small top-off on a well-maintained system is one thing. A system that needs several pounds of refrigerant every season has a leak, and the cost of repeatedly recharging it now weighs more heavily in the repair-or-replace decision.
"If you are adding refrigerant every summer, that money is going straight out a leak," Murcia said. "On a newer system, we find and fix the leak. On a 12- or 14-year-old system that also needs a major part, it usually makes more sense to put that money toward a properly sized new system. We walk homeowners through both options with real numbers."
Florida's efficiency standard
Refrigerant is not the only rule that applies. Florida sits in the U.S. Department of Energy's Southeast region, where split-system central air conditioners installed since January 1, 2023, must meet a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 for systems under 45,000 BTU (roughly 3.5 tons) and 13.8 SEER2 for larger systems. SEER2 is a newer, tougher test than the older SEER rating, so a 14.3 SEER2 system is roughly equivalent to the old 15 SEER.
Because South Florida air conditioners run most of the year, efficiency above the minimum can pay off faster here than in milder climates. Cooling On Demand recommends homeowners compare the SEER2 rating, expected monthly operating cost and humidity control of each option, not just the purchase price.
Five questions to ask before signing a replacement quote
Cooling On Demand suggests homeowners ask every contractor:
- Did you do a load calculation? A new system should be sized to the home, not copied from the old unit's label. An oversized system cools quickly but leaves the house humid.
- Which refrigerant does this system use, and why? Homeowners should know whether they are buying R-454B, R-32 or remaining R-410A inventory, and what that means for future service.
- What is the SEER2 rating? It should meet or beat Florida's minimum.
- Who pulls the permit? Most AC replacements in Broward County require a permit and inspection. A licensed contractor handles the paperwork.
- What is your license number? Florida requires a state-licensed air conditioning contractor for system replacement. Homeowners can verify any license at myfloridalicense.com.
How Cooling On Demand handles replacements
Every Cooling On Demand installation starts with a free in-home quote and an honest recommendation on whether repair or replacement makes more sense. The company measures the home and calculates the cooling load, explains equipment options in plain language, handles the permit and inspection, removes and disposes of the old equipment, installs to manufacturer specifications and Florida building code, and tests cooling performance, airflow, refrigerant charge and drainage before the job is complete. Technicians also set up the thermostat with the homeowner before leaving.
"Most people replace an air conditioner two or three times in their life, so they should not have to become experts overnight," Murcia said. "Our job is to explain it clearly, size it right and install it clean."
Availability
Cooling On Demand provides free in-home replacement quotes across Broward County and nearby Miami-Dade communities. Homeowners can call (954) 203-8426 or learn more about the company's AC installation process online.
About Cooling On Demand Inc.
Cooling On Demand Inc. is a Florida Certified Air Conditioning Contractor (License #CAC1822848) based in the Sunrise area of Broward County. Owner Daniel "Danny" Murcia and his team provide 24/7 air conditioning repair, preventive maintenance, new system installation, heating repair, storm and flood inspections, and UV air purification for homes in Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Southwest Ranches and surrounding Broward and Miami-Dade County communities. Homeowners can book service online at coolingondemand.com or call (954) 203-8426 any time, day or night.
Contact Information:
Cooling On Demand Inc.
Sunrise
Sunrise, Florida 33325
United States
Daniel Murcia
+1-954-203-8426
https://coolingondemand.com