The future of efficiency: the switch to A2L refrigerants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements are undergoing major changes in the next few years to address sustainability and resiliency goals around the nation. Efforts are underway by EPA to further restrict, or eliminate, the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in certain refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump markets. If enacted, these proposed rules will shorten the timeline for the phasedown of HFCs in these markets by 10 years, resulting in major impacts on the HVAC industry.

The International Code Council’s plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas (PMG) team has been dedicated to monitoring the development of new efficiency requirements for refrigerants -- specifically the switch from HFC refrigerants to A2L refrigerants.

See related: Code changes on A2L refrigerants.

Here we discuss everything from how to navigate the HFC refrigerants phasedown as mandated by the EPA, to what design professionals, contractors and technicians need to know about this transition.

Navigating the HFC refrigerants phasedown

Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants have a significant impact on the environment and there have been growing concerns about their usage. On Jan. 1, 2022, the EPA mandated a 10% reduction in the production and use of HFC refrigerants from 2021 baseline levels. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the reduction mandate will increase to 40% and is set to increase incrementally, with a mandatory 85% phasedown of HFC refrigerants by 2036.

What will take the place of these refrigerants?

A2L refrigerants are the latest refrigerants recognized by the EPA Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances in residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems. A2Ls are safe, environmentally-friendly and have become a sustainable option to replace HFCs.

Additionally, the EPA published a Proposed Rule that would further restrict the use of certain HFCs for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps through the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020.

Under this Proposed Rule, the manufacture or import of residential refrigeration systems, residential and light commercial air conditioning systems and residential and light commercial heat pump systems would be prohibited on or after January 1, 2025, and the sale and distribution of these products would be prohibited on or after January 1, 2026.

How does the switch to A2L refrigerants impact design professionals?

Design professionals must be aware of these phasedowns and requirements because they will need to be considered in the designs of new commercial/industrial buildings. It will be necessary to accommodate proper space and safety measures for the installation of equipment utilizing A2Ls as well as the storage of A2L refrigerants. This means that in commercial settings, it will be more cost-effective to anticipate and plan for additional warehouse space as soon as possible to store these refrigerants safely.

There will be limitations to the amount of A2L refrigerant that high-probability HVAC systems utilizing A2L refrigerants can hold. These limitations must be calculated per the 2022 ASHRAE 15 standard, §7.6 Group A2L Refrigerants for Human Comfort and §7.7 Group A2L Refrigerants for Refrigeration Systems Other Than Human Comfort.

What do contractors and technicians need to know?

Comfort conditioning is a key area affected by these requirements, as the 2021 and earlier versions of the building codes did not allow for A2L refrigerants to be used for human comfort purposes.

However, changes have been made to the International Building Code, International Fire Code and the International Mechanical Code to permit the use of A2L refrigerants for human comfort use, meaning the 2024 codes are consistent with the most updated ASHRAE standards.

As A2Ls become more widely adopted and increasingly used in applications such as comfort cooling, it is important for contractors and technicians working with HVAC systems to have proper equipment for A2L use and be aware of the amount of refrigerant that can be used, which may affect installation plans. Note these refrigerants do also have flammable capabilities, so there are certain conditions required to ensure safe use and handling.

Contractors and technicians should consider preparing for these requirements in advance through training on proper labeling and usage. Proper storage practices should also be considered to minimize potential risks and safety concerns with these flammable refrigerants.

Ensuring equipment and tools are compatible with A2L equipment and updating these in advance of these code changes can help save costs as the market adapts and demand increases.

What you can do right now to prepare for the transition

Waiting until the 2024 codes are adopted may present complications related to supply chain issues, increased demand, higher costs and even safety concerns for industry professionals working with A2L refrigerants. Whether you are a designer, contractor, technician or building safety professional, here are some actions you should take now:

1. Reach out to the building officials in your service areas to discuss what steps they have taken, or will take, regarding the ongoing transition to A2L refrigerants. Make sure you understand what you will need to do to comply with local building codes;
2. Research what training options are offered in your area;
3. Contact the International Code Council for assistance regarding available A2L resources;
4. Reach out to HVAC equipment and refrigerant suppliers to find out what refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment (utilizing A2L refrigerants) is, or will be, available in your service areas, and which type of A2L refrigerant the equipment uses. Also, confirm that you will have access to a suitable and stable supply of equipment and refrigerant; and
5. Make sure you have the proper tools to work with HVAC equipment that utilizes A2L refrigerants.

For more information on preparing for A2L refrigerants, please visit the Code Council’s resource: A2L Refrigerants Transition. For technicians and contractors interested in A2L safety training and certifications, visit: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute | AHRI (ahrinet.org)

The Code Council’s PMG team is available to discuss and provide more information on these new efficiency requirements. Locate your local PMG representative for one-on-one assistance navigating the phasedown by visiting the PMG team page.