2025 U.S. Refrigerant Prices: Why R22 and R404A Remain in High Demand and Continue to Rise
If you’ve been sourcing refrigerants in 2025, you’ve likely noticed a familiar trend — rising prices.
Both R22 and R404A have seen significant cost increases this year. But don’t be discouraged — these refrigerants are still essential for millions of existing systems across the U.S., and their price fluctuations reflect continued demand and tightening supply.
Why Are R22 and R404A Prices Increasing?
1. EPA Quota Reductions Under the AIM Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues its phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which mandates:
- Stricter limits on the production and import of high-GWP refrigerants
- Gradual reductions through 2036
These quotas directly impact R404A and indirectly affect R22, both of which are now under increasing supply pressure.
2. Stronger Crackdown on Illegal Imports
U.S. Customs has ramped up enforcement against illegal or unregistered refrigerant imports.
Seized shipments and tighter inspections mean legitimate supply is further constrained — driving up wholesale and retail prices.
Why R22 and R404A Are Still Widely Needed
- R22 remains in use across thousands of residential and light commercial air conditioning systems.
- R404A continues to power countless commercial and industrial refrigeration units — from supermarkets and cold storage to refrigerated trucks.
These refrigerants are not obsolete. They are still vital, especially for legacy systems that cannot be easily converted to newer gases.
What About R32, R134A, and R410A?
| Refrigerant | Market Trend (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| R134A | Stable | Common in automotive and commercial refrigeration |
| R410A | Declining | Used in split A/C systems but being phased out |
| R32 | Growing | Lower GWP and increasingly popular in new installations |
Real-World Insights
- An HVAC distributor in Texas reports that R404A costs have risen over 35% compared to 2024.
- A Florida-based contractor noted localized shortages of R22 during the summer 2025 peak season.
These examples show that price and supply pressures are widespread across the U.S. market.
What You Should Do
✅ Buy Early: Secure your stock before seasonal price spikes hit.
✅ Use Trusted Sources: Avoid illegal or low-quality refrigerants that can damage systems and void warranties.
✅ Keep Using R22/R404A: If your current systems are running efficiently, there’s no need to rush a replacement.
✅ Plan for the Future: For new systems, consider switching to R32, R448A, or other low-GWP alternatives.
Secure Your Refrigerant Supply Today
We offer a full range of certified refrigerants — including R22, R404A, R134A, R410A, and R32 — all available for fast, reliable shipping across the U.S.
👉 Contact us today to lock in your refrigerant supply and ensure your systems stay efficient and compliant all year long.
