A2L equipment tops 80% of distributor sales

Despite dips in industry sales volumes, the A2L transition accelerated this summer. 

What’s happening: In the three months through July, HVAC distributor sales of air conditioners and air-source heat pumps, in particular, declined by six and three percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year, HARDI noted in an email this week, based on its member data. 

• Meanwhile, U.S. combined shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps fell during each of those same months, with June and July seeing a 22 and 27 percent year-over-year drop, respectively, per AHRI. 
• (July is the latest available data for both distributor sales and manufacturer shipments, which include residential and commercial units.)

Yes, but: The adoption of A2L refrigerants has ticked up considerably this year. 

• In January, A2L equipment represented 13 percent of HARDI distributors’ unitary product sales, the association said Tuesday.
• By the end of July, that figure had grown to 82 percent, it added, a more than six-fold increase from the beginning of this year. 

What we’re watching: The EPA in late August hinted at extending the January 1, 2026, sell-through deadline for certain residential and light commercial ACs and heat pumps, though a formal announcement has yet to be made.