The Transition to A2L Refrigerants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is continuing work to reduce production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, as directed by the 2020 American Innovation and Manufacturing Act.
In 2025, the EPA’s final rule will begin restrictions on the use of specific HFCs with a high global warming potential (GWP) in aerosols and foams as well as refrigeration and HVAC products and equipment. Discover what A2L refrigerant is and how the transition to A2L refrigerants will affect your business.
What is A2L refrigerant?
HFCs, hydrofluoroolefins (hydrogen, fluorine and carbon, or HFOs), and blends of HFCs and HFOs can all be A2L refrigerants. A2Ls have a lower GWP and can cool more efficiently, requiring fewer refills.
ASHRAE Standard 34 categorizes the subgroup by their lower toxicity, burning velocity and flammability compared to other groups, but A2L refrigerants are slightly more flammable than the HFCs they are replacing.
| Higher Flammability | A3 (Propane, Butane) |
| Flammable | A2 (Methylene Fluoride) |
| Lower Flammability | A2L (R-454B, R-32) |
| No Flame Propagation at 140°F | A1 (R-410A) |
R-410A is an A1 refrigerant with a GWP above 2,000. R-410A products aren’t compatible with A2L products. While several A2L refrigerants are a close match for 410A’s capacity, there is no standard refrigerant that will replace them across the board.
R-32 (GWP of 675) and R-454B (GWP of 466) will be the predominant A2L refrigerants that manufacturers will use to replace R-410A, although there may be others in self-contained products.
In addition, A2L cylinders will have several key differences from those in the market today:
They have left-hand threading, so adapters will be needed for compatibility.
Tanks are gray with a red band on top.
For safety, cylinders have pressure release valves instead of rupture discs.
Key dates and categories for A2L refrigerant regulations
Each category of HVAC products has its own compliance and transition deadlines. For specific restrictions by subsector, see the EPA’s full list.
Packaged products
Light commercial and residential packaged AC/HP systems using refrigerants with GWP of 700 or higher can no longer be manufactured after Jan. 1, 2025, but can sell through for three years.
Packaged products include:
Residential and commercial packaged units
PTACs
Window air conditioners/heat pumps
Portable air conditioners
Systems
Equipment assembled and charged on-site, such as split systems and mini-splits, can no longer be manufactured after Jan. 1, 2025, and can be sold through for one year.
Systems include:
Residential AC and HP split systems
Commercial AC and HP split systems
Ductless and mini-split systems
Components
There are no restrictions on older components needed to repair existing refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems, but special labeling will come into play. For manufacturers, components used in A2L-compliant equipment must pass UL testing.
Components include:
Residential and commercial AC and HP outdoor condensers
Evaporator coils
Air handlers
To learn more specifics about key A2L transition dates for HVAC systems, visit fergusonhvac.com/a2L.
Product categories impacted
Key takeaways on A2Ls
Split systems have a one-year sell-through and will start to transition in early fall 2024. Packaged systems have a three-year sell-through and will start transitioning in late winter 2024 and into the first quarter of 2025.
R-410A products are not compatible with A2L products and cannot be matched together.
There is no “one standard” in refrigerant in this transition. R-454B and R-32 will be the main ones used by manufacturers, depending on the brand you are aligned with in your market.
Due to safety protocols, tools, components and ancillary products—such as recovery machines, leak detectors, vacuum pumps and manifolds—will need to be rated for A2L refrigerants. The A2L refrigerant cylinders will also be reverse threaded, so adapters will be needed for compatibility.
Know the difference between the product categories and their sell-throughs:
Products: packaged (commercial and residential packaged units, window units, PTACs)
Systems: split units installed, connected and charged on site as a system
Components: split units and/or parts used to service and replace in repair situations