By Charles Allgood
For the past several years, the HVAC industry headed into air conditioning season aware of the transition to A2L refrigerant technology. Some planning also got underway across the industry, from OEMS to HVAC suppliers to technicians in the field.
However, between spring 2024 and this year there has been a substantial shift from planning to progress in the A2L transition. This has been influenced in large part by the U.S. EPA American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which is working to support efforts to phase down the use of higher global warming potential refrigerants and pave the way for the industry’s transition to low-GWP A2Ls. The AIM Act has three main tiers:
- Phase down of production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons: The first step-down occurred in 2022, with phasedowns continuing as they work to achieve a total 85% HFC phasedown — from historic baseline levels — by 2036.
- Technology Transition Program: These “sector controls” — some of which started Jan. 1 — call for GWP limits on refrigerants based on specific applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps and more.
- Emissions Reduction and Reclamation program: Established September 2024, this program focuses on faster leak detection and repair and expanded reclamation and use of reclaimed HFCs.
Under the AIM Act Technology Transition Program, as of Jan. 1, new stationary residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pumps, and residential dehumidifiers are required to be charged with a gas with a GWP of 700 or lower. And the “big story” for contractors is approximately 80% of air conditioner OEMs have selected R-454B — an A2L with a GWP (AR4) of 467 — for new equipment. Consequently, the industry is preparing for a major shift away from air conditioning equipment containing the legacy refrigerant R-410A.
Equipment transition from R-410A to R-454B
R-410A equipment in use can continue to operate through its natural lifecycle because HFCs are being phased down, not phased out. If strong refrigerant management processes are maintained industrywide it’s expected that an ample supply of virgin and reclaimed R-410A will exist to maintain and service existing equipment. However, because new R-410A air conditioning equipment is not being manufactured, its availability is dropping off while low-GWP A2L system availability expands. Moreover, although OEMs could produce R-410A equipment until Jan. 1, many started A2L equipment rollout prior to that date.
Because regulations allow OEMs certain sell-through dates for R-410A equipment manufactured prior to Jan. 1, it is possible HVAC contractors can purchase what remains in OEM warehouses. However, conversations Chemours has had indicate equipment suppliers are working to quickly “sell off” remaining R-410A equipment and stock lower GWP technology. Current insights indicate that by April or May of this year there may be few remaining R-410A units available, but little-to-none by July or August.
Eight Rs of R-410 and A2L business
For the foreseeable future, HVAC contractors will have opportunities to service equipment charged with R-410A while simultaneously installing and maintaining A2L systems. Doing so successfully will be supported by having a strong refrigerant management plan based in these “Eight Rs”:
- Regulations: Whether manufacturing, installing or servicing equipment, keeping up to date with regulatory changes is key to compliance.
- Recordkeeping: Accurate and consistent recordkeeping can prove to be incredibly beneficial to operating efficiency, bring added value to customers and support sustainability objectives.
- Repair leaks: Practicing consistent, effective leak detection and repair is an important part of regulatory compliance that can also impact the bottom line by reducing service gas costs and keeping systems operating at peak efficiency.
- Replace equipment: As systems approach the end of their serviceable lifetime, define which new, higher-efficiency units utilizing A2L refrigerants offer the best replacements.
- Retrofits: If equipment is in good condition, it may still make sense to perform a refrigerant conversion, allowing it to operate with a more sustainable and readily available refrigerant. Keep in mind that A2Ls are for new equipment only, so at this time there is no R-454B retro fit option for R-410A equipment.
- Recovery: Recovery means removing refrigerant from a system and placing it into a separate container. During this process it’s important not to mix gases.
- Reuse/recycle: This means returning recovered refrigerant to the same system, or another system with common ownership.
- Reclamation: Reprocessing recovered refrigerant to meet approved industry purity specifications allows it to be reintroduced commercially for industry use.
As the industry considers the heating and cooling seasons that lie ahead, the path forward is paved with A2Ls. If in need of new R-410A equipment, check with a supplier soon to see what is still available. It’s advisable to be prepared to install new A2L equipment by June. This should include, for example, having the necessary A2L tools and equipment and making sure technicians are properly trained.
Charles Allgood, Ph.D., technical fellow, The Chemours Company, has more than 30 years of experience in the HVACR industry.
Image by DC Studio/Freepik
