HVAC Regulations & A2L Refrigerants
New HVAC regulations are coming in 2025. But don't worry – we're here to help guide you. HD Supply has the information, products, and training you need. Learn more about how your property might be impacted, and don't forget to check out our online trainings.
Background
In 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was enacted into law, authorizing a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are harmful to the environment and widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and fire protection.
What’s Changing:
The EPA is enacting a ruling which will go into effect on January 1, 2025, aiming to make HVAC equipment more environmentally friendly by phasing out the use of R-410A refrigerant, which has a high global warming potential, or GWP.
New Regulation Impacts
• R-410A equipment will be replaced by equipment which uses A2L refrigerants - either R-32 or R-454B - which has a lower global warming potential.
• Manufacturers will no longer produce R-410A equipment after December 31, 2024.
• R-410A residential and light commercial air conditioners and heat pumps can still be sold and installed through December 31, 2025, but they will eventually become unavailable since this equipment will no longer be produced after 2024. HD Supply is fully stocked with R410A equipment, so buy now before it's gone.
What This Means For You & Your Property
• R-454B and R32 equipment will be more expensive, so if property managers are anticipating any upcoming replacements, consider replacing now while R-410A is still available.
• A2L equipment cannot be mixed and matched with R-410A or R-22 equipment. This means that when new R-454B or R-32 central equipment is installed, indoor and outdoor components will both need to be replaced at the same time. Budgets will need to reflect this increased cost, in addition to the added base cost of the new equipment.
• A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable and will require updates to safety protocols and, in some cases, the purchase of some new tools in order to ensure safe installation.
What's Different About A2L Refrigerants
Manufacturers are making the switch to equipment that uses A2L refrigerants because they meet the requirements of the AIM Act, which mandates that all refrigerants have a GWP below 700. There are a few other differences – see the table below for more information.
There will also be changes needed to the way you store refrigerant. Be sure to review your local building codes for storage requirements specific to your facility and area.
Tools
Many of the tools you already use with R-410A will still be suitable for use with new equipment, but some will need to be updated.
• Standard had tools like wrenches and tube cutters will not need to be updated, but technicians should verify compatibility of their gauges, manifolds, vacuum pumps, leak detectors, and recovery machines with A2L refrigerants.
• Electronic tools will need to be verified to be spark-proof.
• See below for more details and shop our full selection of A2L compatible tools.
Refrigerant Recovery Tools
Manifold Gauges
Refrigeration & Charging Hoses
HVAC Specialty Tools
HVAC Equipment Accessories
Line Sets
FAQs
Individual units can still be replaced with R-410A components provided the stock is available, and the units are installed by December 31, 2025.
Many manufacturers have already stopped producing it and moved to R434B or R32 equipment. HD Supply will have a limited supply going into 2025. If you need R410A products, buy them now before they're gone.
Because A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, new equipment is being built with new mitigation requirements including leak sensors, control boards, and safe electrical components. New installation procedures will also be required; you can learn more by attending one of our trainings.
No. Equipment made for use with A2L refrigerants must adhere to standards that mandate leak sensors, mitigation logic, and ventilation requirements. Equipment made for A1 refrigerants (like R-410A) doesn't meet these standards.
Be sure to review your local building codes for storage requirements specific to your facility and area.
R-410A refrigerant production will slow over time, but it will still be available in the future.
Many existing tools used with R-410A will still be suitable for use, but some will need to be updated. Standard had tools like wrenches and tube cutters remain the same. Technicians should verify compatibility of their gauges, manifolds, vacuum pumps, leak detectors, and recovery machines with A2L refrigerants. Electronic tools will need to be verified to be spark-proof. See our tools section for more information.
Local building codes will regulate requirements for refrigerant runs. For high-rise buildings, fire breaks will be required. Provided the line set meets the current building code, you will not need to replace line sets for R-454B equipment as it uses the same POE oil as R-410A.
No problem! Check out detailed information provided by our top manufacturers: Carrier and Goodman.
*Information provided by manufacturer for the convenience of HD Supply customers and should not be considered actionable legal information or advice. Those involved in the specification, purchase, or installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment should refer to official EPA webpages and documentation for the most recent, complete, and accurate information. Visit www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction