A2L Compliance - HVAC Place

A2L Refrigerant Transition & Compliance Information

Understanding A2L: The New Era of Refrigerants in HVAC

Equipment Transitions & Restrictions

The EPA’s Technology Transition Final Rule restricts the manufacture and installation of certain refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) products.

Key Dates:
- Equipment with high GWP refrigerants manufactured before January 1, 2025, may be installed until January 1, 2026.
- This ruling affects all regions.
Classification Changes:
HVAC products have been regrouped into three new categories:
Products, Systems, and Components.

New Classifications of HVAC Equipment

1. Products

A product is functional upon leaving the factory.

Plug in, mount, or connect to a water line—no field assembly needed.
Examples: Window AC units, residential dehumidifiers, packaged terminal air conditioners, commercial freezers, vending machines.
EPA Restrictions: Sale, distribution, and export of products with high-GWP HFCs is restricted three years after manufacture/import restriction dates (Sell-through ends January 1, 2028).

2. Systems

A system is assembled and charged with refrigerant on site.

Requires a certified HVAC technician for assembly/charging.
Examples: Supermarket refrigeration (centralized compressor rooms), mini-split air conditioners.
Deadline: Systems must be installed by January 1, 2026.

3. Components

Components are individual pieces that must be combined into a larger system.

Five components are identified: Compressors, Condensing Units or Condensers, Evaporator Units or Evaporators.
EPA Guidance: No restrictions on manufacture/import/sale for repairing existing systems.

New Products & Mitigation Requirements

Because of the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants, manufacturers are redesigning systems to meet new mitigation requirements:

Mitigation systems (leak sensors, control boards, safe electrical components) must be present.
If a leak is detected:
- Sensor communicates with controls board
- System shuts down and blower activates to dissipate refrigerant
- Homeowner notified
Sensor Location: Indoor coil cabinet
Mitigation board: Furnace
Factory-installed on new A2L equipment; field-installed options available

Refrigerant Changes & Your Equipment

The EPA’s Technology Transition Rule requires:

Phase down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to lower environmental impact.
New GWP Requirement: Refrigerants must have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) under 700.

Refrigerant	GWP Value	Meets 2025 EPA Requirement?
R-410A	2088	❌ No
R-454B	466	✅ Yes
R-32	675	✅ Yes

What Are HFCs and GWP?

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):

Greenhouse gases that replaced ozone-depleting substances.
Measured by Global Warming Potential (GWP)—the higher the GWP, the more it contributes to global warming.

EPA’s Response: