Understanding the 2025 A2L Refrigerant Transition in HVAC: What You Need to Know

The HVAC industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and the 2025 A2L refrigerant transition is at the forefront of these changes. As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, the use of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) is being phased out. In its place, newer refrigerants with lower GWP are being introduced. This transition, especially to A2L refrigerants, will reshape how heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are designed, maintained, and operated.

Here’s a brief glance at what you need to know about the 2025 A2L refrigerant transition and how it will impact the HVAC industry.

What Are A2L Refrigerants?

A2L refrigerants are a category of refrigerants that are mildly flammable (hence the “L” in A2L) but have significantly lower GWPs compared to traditional refrigerants like R-410A, which is commonly used in air conditioners today. The transition to A2L refrigerants is largely driven by international agreements such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that contribute to global warming.

The most common A2L refrigerants expected to be used in HVAC systems by 2025 are R-32, R-454B, and R-466A. These refrigerants have a GWP much lower than R-410A, making them more environmentally friendly options for cooling and heating.
American Standard/Trane, Carrier, Lennox and other major brands will be using R-454B.
Goodman, Amana, Daikin and subsidies will be using R-32.

Why Is the 2025 Transition Important?

It is stated that “The 2025 A2L refrigerant transition is part of a broader global movement to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants. Traditional refrigerants such as R-22 and R-410A have high GWPs, meaning they have a much larger warming effect on the planet if they are released into the atmosphere. The shift to A2L refrigerants is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with global climate goals.”

By adopting refrigerants with lower GWPs, the HVAC industry can help mitigate climate change while still providing the efficient and reliable cooling and heating solutions that consumers rely on.

What Does the 2025 Transition Mean for HVAC Professionals?

For HVAC professionals, the 2025 refrigerant transition presents both challenges and opportunities. Here’s how the industry will be impacted:

1. New Training and Certification Requirements: Since A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, technicians will need specialized training to handle them safely. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined new certification requirements for technicians working with A2L refrigerants, which include training on safety procedures, handling, and leak detection.
   Most companies with older tools will need to update to new A2L compliant models.
2. System Requirements: HVAC systems designed for older refrigerants will not be compatible with the new A2L refrigerant. Meaning obsolete R-22 unit(s) and current R410a system(s) will have to be replaced inside and out to be able to update to the new refrigerant. That means an entirely new indoor and outdoor AC unit. There are also potential system infrastructure updates that will be required such as new copper lines for certain brands or manufacturers. 
3. New Safety Standards: Because A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, safety standards in the HVAC industry will need to be updated. These changes will focus on ensuring that systems are designed, installed, and maintained in a way that minimizes the risk of fire or explosion.
   The most significant impact is that system(s) will be designed with leak detector devices that will shut off the system in the event of a refrigerant leak. Preventing the long time practice of “topping off” a system for temporary repair, in the event of a leak in the indoor unit.
4. Impact on System Design: A2L refrigerants have different thermodynamic properties compared to older refrigerants, which means HVAC systems may need to be redesigned for optimal performance. Manufacturers will likely introduce new equipment that is specifically designed to use A2L refrigerants.
5. Supply Chain and Availability: The shift to A2L refrigerants may create supply chain disruptions as manufacturers ramp up production of the new refrigerants and components. HVAC professionals may need to adjust to changes in refrigerant availability and prices during this transition period.

Challenges in the 2025 Transition

While the A2L refrigerant transition offers numerous advantages, it also comes with some challenges. Here are some of the hurdles that the industry may face:

1. Flammability Concerns: Although A2L refrigerants are classified as “mildly flammable,” proper safety measures must be followed to ensure that HVAC systems are safe to use. Increased training and more stringent safety regulations will be necessary to minimize risks.
2. High Initial Costs: The initial cost of replacing existing systems ancillary parts like copper line-sets or replacing older equipment with new A2L-compatible models will be significantly higher by all accounts. The HVAC industry has had a rapidly increasing price point across the board, especially with supply chain issues and production shortages during covid. Prices have continued to climb and with this new refrigerant we are expecting a higher cost somewhere between 12% – 20% over 2024’s pricing. 
3. Regulatory Compliance: Staying up to date with evolving regulations will be crucial. HVAC businesses will need to keep track of new laws, guidelines, and certifications related to refrigerants and system design.
   All refrigerant work is required by the EPA to be documented, charted and logged. Both on new “Refrigerant Log Tags” on the actual HVAC equipment and in documentation to be stored at the company office. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of HVAC with A2L Refrigerants

As the 2025 deadline approaches, the HVAC industry is poised for a significant shift. The adoption of A2L refrigerants represents a crucial step in reducing the environmental impact of cooling and heating systems, and the move is supported by both regulators and manufacturers worldwide.

For HVAC professionals, staying informed, getting the necessary training, and investing in updated equipment will be essential to navigating this transition successfully. With the right preparation, HVAC businesses can not only comply with new regulations but also take advantage of the opportunities that come with these environmentally friendly innovations.

Side note:
During the R-22 refrigerant transition production was cut heavily and the importation of the refrigerant was banned with no way to make up for the growing need for repairs as systems aged out.

The current R410a refrigerant will be available for quite some time. The equipment will no longer be manufactured after January 1, 2025. But the need for refrigerant will continue as systems age out, break down and require repairs. At an absolute minimum the parts necessary to repair a system are guaranteed by law to be kept in stock by the manufacturer for the length of the 10 year warranty period. Stock for repair parts typically continues well into the future, even after the end of warranty coverage.

In regards to refrigerant availability, this is a quote from a United States Legislative representative for the 2025 refrigerant transition. (Taken live from an HVAC contractor event)

“We… and by we I mean the Federal Government, did not handle the R-22 refrigerant transition well. The choices made had an incredibly negative and expensive impact on the public, on consumers. We heavily impacted domestic production of R-22, we banned the importation of it and we influenced a fast transition to production of the new refrigerant through incentive programs. This created a massive price hike right about the time when R-22 systems were reaching old age and needed repairs.
This time we are going to do better. We will not be banning the importation of R410a refrigerant, we will also be offering incentive programs to the producers of the refrigerant to increase recycle & reclamation processes. (The process of taking old refrigerant and making it like new) and the refrigerant will surely be stockpiled in abundance for a while yet.”