Preparing For A2L Refrigerants: What You Need To Know In 2025

The AHR Expo is one of the largest HVACR trade shows, bringing together industry leaders, manufacturers, and professionals to showcase the latest innovations, products, and trends in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.?

As the HVAC industry evolves, staying informed on regulatory changes and emerging technologies is key. The AHR trade show highlights industry advancements, and one critical topic is the transition to A2L refrigerants. When considering new HVAC equipment, understanding their impact is key.

Did you know?

Refrigeration technology and air conditioning account for approximately 20% of global electricity consumption.

Whether you are an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), a panel builder, a seasoned technician, a business owner, or simply interested in the latest HVAC technology, the following information will equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about A2L refrigerants.

What is a Refrigerant?

Refrigerants are substances used in cooling systems to transfer heat. They play a crucial role in air conditioning and refrigeration applications. However, traditional refrigerants like R-410A and R-134a contribute significantly to global warming. Due to increasing environmental concerns and regulatory mandates, the industry is shifting toward lower-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants like A2L refrigerants.

What are A2L Refrigerants?

A2L refrigerants are a class of low-GWP refrigerants designed to replace high-GWP options while maintaining efficiency. They are classified as mildly flammable, requiring additional safety considerations but offering significant environmental benefits. The adoption of A2L refrigerants is driven by industry regulations such as the AIM Act in the U.S. and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, both of which push for a phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants.

The transition to low-GWP refrigerants marks a significant milestone in the HVACR industry’s efforts to mitigate climate change. With regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requiring the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in new HVACR equipment as of? January 1, 2025, manufacturers and stakeholders must adapt to new standards while maintaining safety and performance.

A2L refrigerants have emerged as a promising solution to meet the demand for low-GWP alternatives. Characterized by their reduced environmental impact, A2L refrigerants offer a viable pathway towards sustainability.

Important Stats About A2L Refrigerants

• As of January 1, 2025, North American OEMs must use refrigerants with a GWP below 700 in newly manufactured or imported HVAC systems.
• As of 2025, over 150 million A2L units have been installed globally, and over 85% of new vehicles sold in the United States incorporate an A2L refrigerant.

Benefits of A2L Refrigerants:

• Environmental Impact: A2L refrigerants have a significantly lower carbon footprint, contributing to sustainability efforts and compliance with global climate goals.
• Energy Efficiency: These refrigerants improve the efficiency of HVAC systems, leading to lower energy consumption and operational costs.
• Innovation: Advancements in refrigerant technology ensure that A2L systems maintain or even enhance performance compared to traditional refrigerants.
• Regulatory Compliance: Transitioning to A2L refrigerants ensures adherence to evolving environmental regulations, preventing costly non-compliance penalties.

Drawbacks of A2L Refrigerants:

• Compatibility: Existing HVAC systems may require modifications or upgrades to accommodate A2L refrigerants, leading to additional costs.
• Flammability: While classified as mildly flammable, A2L refrigerants require strict safety measures, including leak detection and proper ventilation.
• Upfront Costs: Transitioning to A2L-compliant systems may involve higher initial investment costs for new equipment and training.
• Regulatory Compliance: Manufacturers and technicians must stay up to date with evolving industry standards to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Certification Programs for A2L Compliance

To address safety concerns and ensure compliance with A2L refrigerants, organizations have developed certification programs to assess the compatibility and performance of electrical components in HVAC/R systems. UL Solutions, a leading provider of safety certification services, has introduced a specialized program tailored for A2L compliance, ensuring that components meet necessary safety standards.

Navigating the Transition to A2L Refrigerants

As the industry continues to transition towards A2L refrigerants, collaboration between regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and certification bodies will be essential to facilitate a smooth and successful transition. Through collective efforts and adherence to safety standards, the HVAC/R industry can embrace the benefits of A2L refrigerants while ensuring the safety and reliability of equipment for years to come.

This newsletter offers a condensed overview, but for a more in-depth look, check out our full white paper on the topic here.

A Note for OEMs and Panel Builders

Given that A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, UL standard 60335-2-40 outlines a spectrum of safety requirements, including protections against electric shock, fire hazards, and mechanical hazards. Components must successfully pass this UL testing before inclusion in A2L systems, even if they meet the standard without modification.?

Failure to comply with UL 60335-2-40 would be extremely costly for HVAC manufacturers. To stay ahead and avoid losing business, OEMs and panel builders should contact their electrical control supplier(s) to confirm that they are, or have plans to be UL 60335-2-40 compliant.

How c3controls Can Help

At c3controls, we are prepared to fulfill requirements in the HVAC industry, as we have for almost 50 years.

Explore component and finished solutions for all your air handling, chiller, heat pump, and ventilation system needs. That includes Enclosed UL508A Combination Motor Starters and much more! With over 17 million product configurations and our own UL508A panel shop, c3controls has the resources you need to meet changing requirements and capitalize on your HVAC business opportunities.