Why Australia is moving away from older refrigerants and what it means for commercial and industrial air conditioning systems

Australia’s HVAC industry is undergoing a major transition as older refrigerants such as R410A are progressively phased down and replaced with newer alternatives like R32. This change is being driven by global environmental agreements, stricter Australian regulations and the growing demand for more energy-efficient, environmentally responsible building services.

R410A has been widely used for many years due to its reliable cooling performance. However, it has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), meaning it contributes significantly to climate change if released into the atmosphere. While it does not damage the ozone layer, its long-term environmental impact has led to tighter controls on its production, import and use. As a result, R410A is becoming more expensive, harder to source and increasingly regulated.

R32 has emerged as the preferred replacement refrigerant for most new commercial and residential installations. It delivers the same cooling performance with a much lower environmental impact, has better energy efficiency, and requires a smaller refrigerant charge to achieve the same results. For businesses, this means lower running costs, better compliance with current and future regulations, and improved long-term asset value.

R32 is classified as a mildly flammable refrigerant (A2L), which means systems must be correctly designed and installed to Australian Standards. When installed by licensed professionals with compliant electrical protection and ventilation provisions, R32 systems are safe for use across workshops, commercial kitchens, retail spaces, offices and industrial facilities.

For businesses currently operating R410A systems, immediate replacement is not required. However, as the refrigerant phase-down continues, repair costs, refrigerant pricing and long-term service risk will continue to increase. This is why many businesses now choose R32 for new builds, refurbishments and full system replacements to future-proof their facilities.

Refrigerant choice is no longer just a technical decision — it directly impacts energy performance, compliance risk, operational reliability, insurance requirements and whole-of-life system costs. Choosing a modern refrigerant today protects HVAC assets for the next decade, not just the next few years.

At Millair Climate Control & Electrical and Johnny Cool, all new installations are specified to meet current refrigerant legislation, Australian Standards and future compliance requirements, ensuring our clients receive systems that are efficient, safe and built for long-term performance.