A2L equipment hits milestone, tops 50% of distributor sales

The transition to a new class of refrigerants is off to the races, with A2L equipment eclipsing 50 percent of distributor sales in April, according to new HARDI data first shared with Homepros. 

Why it matters: The figure marks a significant ramp-up across the industry, as A2L equipment represented less than five percent of sales in November 2024, per the data. 

What’s happening: Central ducted systems using A2L refrigerants accounted for 51 percent of April sales, with preliminary May data indicating further growth to 60 percent, according to HARDI’s ‘Unitary Market Intelligence Report,’ which tracks nationwide distributor sales submissions. (The data includes residential and light commercial systems.)

• What they’re saying: “Despite facing price volatility and ongoing shortages of R-454B cylinders, distributors and contractors are adopting the next generation of HVAC systems at a rate no one anticipated,” said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. 

Zoom out: The trend aligns with manufacturers’ first-quarter earnings calls, in which Lennox reported that A2L equipment represented roughly 50 percent of total sales, while Carrier and Trane each noted the figure was over 75 percent.

• Lennox CEO Alok Maskara in April said the company has “nearly depleted” its R-410A inventory, with Watsco CEO Albert Nahmad adding that they expect to be out by the end of June. 

What’s next: Since HARDI data looks backward by two months, May’s sales figures will be released during the first week of July, followed by OEMs’ second-quarter earnings calls later in the month, shedding light on the most recent sales trends.