News Flash

The EPA has extended the deadline for installing R-410A air conditioning and heat pump systems to December 31, 2025, provided the components were produced or imported before January 1, 2025, affecting residential and light commercial units under 65K BTU. Larger VRF systems over 65K BTU retain the original January 1, 2026 installation prohibition, with further EPA rulemaking anticipated for these systems.

The ban on HFC refrigerants like R410a in residential new construction starting January 1, 2026 (1-year sell-through), and in commercial new construction starting January 1, 2028 (3-year sell-through)

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In English, it will no longer be allowed for contractors to install R-410A systems starting January 1st of 2026.  All new systems will utilize A2L refrigerants from that date forward.

On December 27, 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 was enacted. The AIM Act authorizes EPA to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by providing new authorities in three main areas: phase down the production and consumption of listed HFCs, manage these HFCs and their substitutes, facilitate the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions.

A2L refrigerants are currently being phased into the HVACR industry to replace HFC refrigerants. A2L refrigerants:

• Are non-toxic and mildly flammable

• Have lower GWP than commonly used HFC refrigerants

• Have lower flammability than A2 or A3 refrigerants5

There are distinct characteristics of cylinders containing A2L refrigerant. A2L refrigerant cylinders:

• Are light gray in color with a red band at the top

• Have a pressure relief valve instead of a rupture disk

• Use left-handed threading

The ongoing tariff drama between the U.S. and our neighbors continues.  Here's why it will affect the HVAC industry at home. Canada is one of the U.S.’s largest suppliers of the key HVAC metals, exporting twice the amount of aluminum in 2024 than the next nine countries combined.  This will potentially increase the cost of new equipment and parts throughout our industry.