In the 1970s, the EPA discovered that Freon (R22) was harming the ozone layer, but despite scientific evidence, it remained a popular refrigerant for decades. To address the issue, the EPA initiated a phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including R22, in 2003. By January 2010, the EPA banned the production and import of this refrigerant.
The Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments allowed a gradual phase-out of R-22 to avoid economic impact, and R-410A, an HFC blend without chlorine, became the go-to option. This HFC is sold under brand names like Puron, Gentron AZ-20, and SUVA 410A. In January 2023, R-454B (Opteon XL41) became the new refrigerant of choice. In less than a year and a half, it will be replaced by A2L refrigerants — a shift the EPA announced in 2020 in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act.
The transition to A2L refrigerants marks a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. These new refrigerants have a lower GWP), meaning they contribute less to climate change. While the ban on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2026, preparation now is key to avoiding potential issues later.
What are A2L refrigerants?
This new generation of refrigerants, designed to replace HFC refrigerants, has lower toxicity and GWP. Many A2L refrigerants lead to more efficient systems, lower energy consumption, and reduced operating costs. While generally considered safe, some may have slightly different flammability or toxicity profiles compared to traditional refrigerants and thus require proper handling and ventilation.
Traditional refrigerants contain high concentrations of HFCs, representing about 2% of greenhouse gases, but their impact on global warming is substantial. According to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition, HFCs remain in the atmosphere for an average of 15 years, and the most abundant HFC warms the planet nearly 4,000 times as much as carbon dioxide over two decades.
A2L refrigerants, on the other hand, are more environmentally friendly, with lower GWP. Compared to HFCs like R-410A, which has a GWP of approximately 2,088, replacement refrigerants like A2L have a GWP below 700. In addition to being a more “green” option, A2L refrigerants are more energy efficient, offering companies and consumers the potential to reduce HVAC costs.
Drawbacks of switching to A2L refrigerants
While A2L refrigerants offer definite environmental benefits, there are some drawbacks, too. Equipment using A2L refrigerants may have higher upfront costs because new components and safety measures are needed. According to several recent articles, OEMs predict the cost of HVAC equipment will rise significantly for A2L (and R-410A) systems.
Some A2L refrigerants are more flammable than traditional refrigerants, requiring additional safety precautions and potentially increasing fire risk. That said, A2L refrigerants are classified as “lower flammability” versus A2 and A3 refrigerants, according to the ASHRAE Safety Classification of Refrigerants.
Other potential challenges? In the early stages of adoption, A2L refrigerants may be less widely available and more expensive than HFC refrigerants. Older equipment isn’t compatible with A2L refrigerants and will require upgrades or replacements, which come at a cost. While A2L refrigerants have shown promise regarding energy efficiency and environmental impact, their long-term performance and reliability in various applications are still being evaluated.
Why prepare for A2L refrigerants now?
Although the deadline to stop using HFC-cooled systems is about 16 months away (December 31, 2025), preparing for their widespread adoption now makes sense. And while they’ve gained recent prominence in the news, they’re not new to the HVAC industry. Many systems designed since 2018 are compatible with A2L refrigerants.
From a procurement perspective, new air handling units purchased after a specific date already use (or will soon use) these newer refrigerants. Chances are we’ll see minimal conversions from existing HFC systems to 2AL refrigerants, as those are older systems and will likely need replacement. While a limited supply of HFC refrigerants will remain available for touch-ups, they’ll be phased out over time.
Embracing the future: Adapting to A2L refrigerants
What does this pending deadline mean for the HVAC industry and building owners? Start designing and/or installing replacement equipment that runs on A2L refrigerants. HVAC businesses should proactively prepare for this transition to A2L refrigerants.
As of June 2024, the EPA’s refrigerant handling certification exam hasn’t changed. However, HVAC companies and technicians should stay informed about potential updates to ensure they work safely and comply with current regulations.
Because some A2L refrigerants are comprised of hydrofluoroolefin (FO) or HFO blends, they are slightly more flammable than HFC refrigerants and require careful handling during charging to avoid exceeding maximum allowable levels. The charging process is similar, but HVAC technicians will need proper training to work safely with A2L refrigerants.
For example, A2L refrigerant cylinders have a bright red stripe as well as the traditional gray-green color. HVAC professionals must learn how to open and adjust the pressure relief valves, which have changed.
HVAC equipment will also require new mitigation systems — like safety sensors — to reduce flammability risk. While technicians may not install these systems, they should understand how to repair or replace them.
Other future training will likely include areas like:
- Proper leak detection practices
- Safe handling and recovery of both HFC and A2L refrigerants
- Characteristics of A2L refrigerants, including storage requirements.
- Use of A2L-compatible tools and equipment
AIMing for more eco-friendly options
The bipartisan AIM Act supported the phasedown of HFCs and encouraged the adoption of A2L refrigerants with lower GWP to meet environmental goals. Both international and national efforts to reduce GHG emissions are driving this transition. One brand, Puron Advance, offers a 75% reduction in GWP compared to R-410A, aligning with the regulations taking effect in January 2025 that will set a maximum GWP limit of 700.
This shift is reminiscent of the recent R-22 phaseout, which significantly impacted many home and business owners, highlighting the ongoing evolution of HVAC industry standards toward greater environmental sustainability.
For more information on the environmental impact and regulations related to refrigerants, visit the EPA’s website, which offers more details about HFCs and the AIM Act. If you have other questions about how this updated regulation may impact your HVAC business, reach out to CREA United member Chris Wisniewski, vice president at Integrate Comfort Systems.
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