A2L Refrigerant Transition

Important information for Utah homeowners and businesses ahead of the transition to A2L refrigerants.

Background Information

Back in 2010, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry began transitioning away from hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants that were contributing to ozone depletion. The industry began using new hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R-410A that have a much lower impact on the environment.

In December of 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act gave authorization for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin phasing down these HFCs and transition to a new generation of low global warming potential (or low-GWP) refrigerants. This change means that manufacturers of HVAC equipment will need to move to using these new refrigerants for any new residential and commercial HVAC systems beginning on Jan 1, 2025 (and installed as of Jan 1, 2026).

If you’re curious, you can read all about the AIM Act on the EPA website.

The New Refrigerants

A2L refrigerants (named for their ASHRAE safety classification), are those that have mild flammability, low toxicity, and low-GWP. They include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends. A2L refrigerants work similarly to older refrigerants, but are more safe than ammonia and hydrocarbon refrigerants, and they are more energy efficient than the previous standards.

A2Ls will play a key role in helping meet not just the AIM Act Regulations, but also other key global initiatives like the Montreal Protocol (and the Kigali Amendment), Canada’s ODSHAR, as well as the EU Green Deal.

A2L refrigerants have several advantages over their previous counterparts such as:

  • A lower GWP: Compared to traditional refrigerants, A2Ls promise a much lower climate change impact.

  • More Energy Efficient: A2L refrigerants are, in general, much more energy-efficient. While the initial costs of equipment using A2L may cost more upfront (more on that in a minute), in the long run they can lead to potential cost savings.

  • Sustainability: Less impact to global warming means a more sustainable long-term choice.

Here’s a quick video from Opteon (an unaffiliated manufacturer) that provides a nice little summary of A2L refrigerants:

Impact on HVAC Equipment Prices

The move to A2L refrigerants is the right move for the long-term health of our planet. However, transitioning to A2L refrigerants comes at a cost that is expected to impact, and increase, overall equipment prices. Some reasons why:

  • The actual cost of A2L Refrigerants: General speaking, A2L refrigerants are more expensive than previous refrigerants.

  • R&D: Developing new systems compatible with A2L refrigerants requires extensive research and development (R&D).

  • Changes to the Supply Chain and Distribution: New products mean new manufacturing processes for suppliers. There are also new distribution challenges that need to be solved.

  • Compliance and Safety Updates: As mentioned above, A2L refrigerants are partially characterized by their mildly flammability. This doesn’t pose a concern or threat for homeowners but it does mean that the systems using these new refrigerants need to be reconfigured to meet new safety requirements.

  • Recertification: In the field, technicians working with A2L refrigerants will need updated training and new certifications.

What this Means for Homeowners and Businesses

Aside for the positive environmental impacts, the biggest change for homeowners and businesses will likely be the higher initial pricing of future equipment. Long-term, equipment running A2L refrigerants are expected to be more energy efficient, which is good news, but you may want to consider the following if a new system or system change is in your immediate future:

  • System Maintenance: The best way to keep your current healthy HVAC system running is through diligent system maintenance.

  • Careful Planning: If an HVAC system replacement is on the horizon, you may want to act sooner if the initial equipment costs are a concern. We are always happy to give you a free, no obligation quote.

  • Rebates and Tax Incentives: We are experts when it comes to navigating available rebates and tax credits. Combined, they can help you save thousands on a new equipment purchase or replacement.

  • Choose the Right Partner: There’s a lot involved with the transition to A2L refrigerants, but let us sweat the details. We’re committed to continuing to provide the same level of excellent service and support and will do all we can to keep the process easy and affordable for Utah homeowners and businesses.

This is a big step for our industry and the switch to low-GWP refrigerants is most definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully this information helps clear the air (no pun intended) and gives you a little more information about why this change is happening, why it’s important, and how it may impact you in the future.

If you have any other questions about the A2L refrigerant transition or how it will impact you, your home, or your business, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, shoot us an email, or schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re always here and happy to help!