Introduction
Are you planning to install a heat pump soon? If so, it’s crucial to act now. Starting in 2026, the widely used R-410A refrigerant will be banned
Waiting until the last minute could mean overspending on units that are too large, inefficient, and expensive to run. In this article, we’ll explain:
- What the R-410A ban
- How oversizing
- How to calculate ROI
We’ll include practical examples across multiple regions and currencies, so whether you’re in the USA, Europe, or Saudi Arabia, you’ll know exactly how to avoid costly mistakes.
Understanding R-410A and the 2026 Ban
R-410A has been the standard refrigerant in heat pumps for decades. It’s reliable, efficient, and widely used, but it has a high global warming potential (GWP). Regulators worldwide are phasing it out, replacing it with A2L refrigerants
What Changes in 2026?
- Switch to A2L refrigerants:
- Installer certification:
- Supply chain delays:
Projected Price Increases:
- USA:
- Europe:
- Middle East:
Why Oversizing Can Be a Costly Mistake
Many installers oversize units "just to be safe" and ensure comfort. While this avoids underperformance, it comes at a high cost:
1. Higher energy bills:
2. Shortened lifespan:
3. Excessive upfront costs:
Real-World Examples of Oversizing Costs
- USA (200 m² home): You could overpay $2,500–$4,000
- Europe (Germany, 150 m² flat): Extra cost of €2,000–€3,500
- Poland (120 m² home): Wasted 9,000–15,000 PLN
- Czech Republic (140 m²): Overspending by 60,000–100,000 CZK
- UK (130 m²): Loss of 1,800–3,000 GBP
- Saudi Arabia (Warehouse 500 m²): 7,000–10,000 SAR
Note: These numbers don’t even account for higher monthly electricity bills from inefficient cycling.
Calculating Your Heat Pump ROI
A clear ROI calculation is key to avoid overpaying. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Determine Your Heat Load Use a [Free Heat Load Calculator](https://thermopy.com/calculators/heat-load)
Step 2: Compare Multiple Quotes
Step 3: Check Efficiency Ratings
- USA:
- Europe:
- Global:
Step 4: Calculate Payback Period Include: purchase price, installation, maintenance, and electricity bills. Oversized units can add 1–2 years
Regional Considerations
- USA:
- Europe:
, France, and Scandinavia help, but caps often apply.
- Saudi Arabia:
Avoid Overpaying: Practical Tips
1. Size properly
2. Use a calculator
3. Compare brands
4. Act Now
How Thermopy Can Help
Thermopy offers a free [Heat Pump ROI Calculator](https://thermopy.com/calculators)
- Determine proper sizing for any property.
- Compare efficiency and costs of different units.
- Calculate long-term savings and payback in any currency.
No guesswork—just data-driven insights. Perfect for homeowners, facility managers, and commercial operators.
Conclusion
The 2026 R-410A ban is coming
Act now: