The latest on the refrigerant phase-down

The industry’s refrigerant phase-down can be hard to follow, so we gathered a few recent updates worth keeping in mind.

Background: The 2020 AIM Act gave the EPA authority to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs (incl. R-410A) by 85% by 2036.

• Check out the EPA’s FAQ page here.

What’s new: In late December, the EPA changed a rule that originally banned the installation of R-410A systems on January 1, 2025, allowing a one-year sell-through period until January 1, 2026.

• ACCA opposed a mandate requiring all used HFC cylinders to be returned to “certified reclaimers”, saying it’d create costly logistical challenges for contractors. 

• When the EPA first proposed a QR code tracking system for refrigerant cylinders, industry associations sued them and won. Since then, the EPA’s tried to re-introduce certain parts of the proposal, but they’ve been opposed.

• Currently, there are no training or certification requirements for A2L refrigerants, however, the EPA is considering whether there should be. 

Of note: Manufacturers have confirmed that units utilizing A2Ls, like R-454B, are more expensive to produce, and will be ~10-20% more expensive as a result.

Looking ahead: Industry groups are on the ground, actively protecting contractors’ best interests throughout the phase-down and providing updates on their blogs. (ACCA, HARDI)

💬 Hit reply: As a contractor, what information do you feel you’re missing about the phase-down? We’re talking to a representative from an industry group soon, which will give us the chance to ask questions.