Costs, Star Ratings and 2026 Rules
AC refrigerant basics: R-32, R-410A, R-290 and old R-22 units in India
What the refrigerant gas in your AC means for efficiency, servicing, gas top-up cost and safety, and how India's HCFC phase-out and the Kigali Amendment affect it.
Most room ACs sold in India today use R-32 or R-410A, and some use R-290 (propane). Older units often use R-22, an HCFC that India is phasing out under the Montreal Protocol. The refrigerant matters to a buyer in three ways: it affects servicing (a technician needs the right gas, gauges and training), gas top-up cost if there is a leak, and safety, because R-32 is mildly flammable and R-290 is flammable, so they need careful handling during repairs. It does not change how you use the AC. A properly installed AC in good condition should not need regular gas refills; repeated loss means a leak.
Part of the AC and geyser price factors overview.
Common refrigerants compared
Global warming potential (GWP) figures below are the commonly cited 100-year values from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, used in many regulatory contexts. Other assessment reports give slightly different numbers.
| Refrigerant | Type | Ozone depleting? | GWP (approx.) | Flammability class | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-22 | HCFC | Yes | about 1,810 | Non-flammable | Older ACs; being phased out |
| R-410A | HFC blend | No | about 2,090 | Non-flammable | Many split ACs |
| R-32 | HFC | No | about 675 | Mildly flammable (A2L) | Many current split and window ACs |
| R-290 | Hydrocarbon (propane) | No | about 3 | Flammable (A3) | Some room AC models on the Indian market |
India's rules in brief
- Ozone layer: India is a party to the Montreal Protocol. The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, control production, import and use of substances such as HCFCs. The Ozone Cell of the Ministry states that from 1 January 2025, use of HCFCs in manufacturing all new equipment is prohibited, so new R-22 ACs are no longer made in India; servicing of existing R-22 units continues with a shrinking supply.
- Climate: Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, India is scheduled to freeze HFC consumption from 2028 (against a 2024–2026 baseline) and then reduce it in steps, starting with a 10% cut in 2032 and reaching 85% by 2047. That will push the market further towards lower-GWP refrigerants over time.
- India Cooling Action Plan (2019): sets long-term goals for cooling demand, refrigerant demand and training of servicing technicians.
For the current schedule and any notifications, check the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
What this means for servicing costs
| Situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Routine service (filter, coil wash, drain cleaning) | No gas work needed; gas is not consumed in normal use |
| Small leak at a flare joint | Technician should find and fix the leak, vacuum, then recharge |
| Leak in the coil | Repair or coil replacement, then vacuum and recharge; may be costly outside warranty |
| Compressor replacement | New compressor, full vacuum and fresh charge |
| Old R-22 unit needs gas | R-22 is getting scarcer; ask whether repair is economical versus a new efficient unit |
Illustrative gas top-up bill
| Item | Illustrative amount |
|---|---|
| Leak detection and flare joint repair | ₹800 |
| Vacuuming | ₹500 |
| Gas charge (by weight or as a fixed "full charge" price) | ₹2,500 |
| Service visit | ₹400 |
| Subtotal | ₹4,200 |
| GST at 18% (if the provider is GST-registered) | ₹756 |
| Total | ₹4,956 |
These figures are invented to show the structure. Brands' authorised service partners often publish rate cards; ask for one. A proper job charges gas after fixing the leak and vacuuming, not instead of it.
Safety with flammable refrigerants
R-32 (mildly flammable) and R-290 (flammable) are safe in normal use when the AC is designed and installed to the relevant standard, with charge limits for the room size. The risks arise during repairs: brazing a pipe with gas inside, using the wrong recovery equipment, or overcharging. Ask that only trained technicians who work with that refrigerant handle repairs, especially for R-290. Do not let anyone mix refrigerants or "convert" an R-22 unit to a different gas.
Choosing a new AC: does the refrigerant matter?
For most buyers, refrigerant is a secondary factor after size, star band and installation quality. Points worth considering:
- Service availability: In a smaller town, ask the local authorised service centre which refrigerants they handle regularly.
- Environmental footprint: Lower-GWP refrigerants reduce climate impact if the gas leaks or is not recovered at disposal.
- Disposal: At end of life, the gas should be recovered, not vented. ACs are covered by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, under which producers have extended producer responsibility. Ask the brand or seller about take-back.
Installation quality affects refrigerant performance more than the gas itself: correct pipe length, vacuuming and leak-tested joints. See AC installation charges and copper piping and the inverter vs fixed-speed comparison.
FAQ
Can I refill my R-32 AC with R-410A?
No. An AC must use the refrigerant it was designed for. Mixing gases damages performance and can be unsafe.
Does refrigerant get "used up"?
No. It circulates in a sealed system. Loss of gas means a leak.
Is R-290 dangerous in my bedroom?
ACs with R-290 are designed with charge limits and safety measures for room use. The risk is mainly in repair work by untrained hands, so use authorised service.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Ozone Cell, ODS Rules, HCFC phase-out and India Cooling Action Plan
- Ozone Cell, MoEFCC — HCFC phase-out notices and HFC phase-down strategy
- Central Pollution Control Board — E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
- Bureau of Indian Standards — safety standards for refrigerating appliances
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency — AC labelling
