Industry weighs in on EPA’s proposed refrigerant rule change

The EPA on Monday held a public hearing about its late-September proposal to reform a key section of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which kicked off today’s refrigerant transition in 2020. 

What’s happening: As it stands, the installation of certain residential and light commercial air conditioners and heat pumps using legacy refrigerants, including R-410A, is prohibited past January 1, 2026. 

• But alongside a series of proposed changes that affect other segments of the HVAC industry, the EPA on September 30 called for eliminating that deadline altogether, allowing such systems to be installed indefinitely. 

Representatives for more than two dozen organizations, including contractors, manufacturers, and industry associations, offered a range of opinions during Monday’s hearing. 

What they’re saying: Samantha Slater, VP of Government Affairs at AHRI, urged the EPA to stick to the transition schedule finalized in 2023, which includes the January 1, 2026, install deadline.

• “AHRI is open to tailored relief that minimizes marketwide confusion and cost impacts,” she said. “The proposal includes examples of such relief.” 
• That said, “Changing the schedule now would disrupt planning and inject uncertainty across the market,” she added. 

Meanwhile, representatives from several manufacturers supported an indefinite sell-through for residential and light commercial systems, with Chris Forth, VP of Regulatory, Codes, and Environmental Affairs at Bosch, suggesting that VRF products should also be included. 

• “I don’t represent corporate heads. I represent a bunch of people who put in air conditioning… and moving this transition date is hugely important to those people,” said Paul Stehle, who serves as both the president of the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association and vice president of Climatic Conditioning. 
• “They will be experiencing increased pricing, inflationary uprises and all that,” he added. “We are not suggesting ending R-454B or anything else. We just need to extend the date on the availability of R-410A to millions of homeowners in the United States.” 

Between the lines: Several speakers emphasized the need for confirmation that no one would be penalized for installing R-410A equipment while the rule remains in flux. 

• “EPA needs to urgently provide ‘no action assurance’ [formal notice that a rule temporarily won’t be enforced]… to cover the period of time between January 2026 and the effective date of the amended final rule,” said Rheem’s Allison Skidd, noting that it’s unlikely that a final rule will be published by the end of this year. 

What’s next: The EPA is accepting written comments on its proposed rule until November 21, after which the agency will review those comments before issuing a final rule. 

• While it’s not available as of October 21, a transcript of the hearing will be published here.