A2L

What are A2L Refrigerants? A Homeowner’s Guide

The switch to A2L refrigerants directly impacts homeowners’ HVAC systems, but many may be scratching their heads as to how—and wondering what refrigerants are in the first place, let alone the A2L kind.

So, listen up, homeowners: Here’s everything to know about what refrigerants are and what the new regulations mean for your home.

What are refrigerants?

Refrigerants are a key part of the cooling process in an HVAC system.

How A2L Refrigerants Contribute to HVAC Decarbonization

As federal, state, and local policymakers work to find ways to make the heating and cooling industry more sustainable, new regulations are being put in place to lower emissions, increase efficiency, and take verified steps toward decarbonization. One of those regulations is the switch to A2L refrigerants, which goes into effect January 1, 2025.

Here’s what you need to know about A2L refrigerants and how they contribute to decarbonization in the HVAC industry.

What to Know About A2L Refrigerants, From Regulatory Expert Allison Skidd

The HVAC industry’s switch to A2L refrigerants on January 1, 2025, will be here before we know it.

Here Allison Skidd, Director of Global Regulatory Affairs, explains what to know about A2L refrigerants and the new refrigeration standards, as well as how contractors can prepare.

What is the new refrigerant regulation that goes into effect January 1, 2025? 

On October 24, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the final rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) that sets global warming potential (GWP) limits for air conditioning.

What to Know About the 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Change

In 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was enacted into law, which authorizes a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) across of a variety of applications—including HVAC.

Come 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will set a 750 global warming potential (GWP) limit for air conditioning. This means that R-410A, with a GWP of 2,088, will no longer be able to be used in new equipment.

So,