THE DIVISIONS DIGEST
A NEW ERA FOR HVAC:
PREPARING FOR THE 2025 REFRIGERANT SHIFT
Note: The information provided in this article reflects the current knowledge and regulatory guidelines as of December 2024. Please check for the latest updates, as regulations and industry standards may evolve.
While most of the country is thinking about their new year’s resolutions, the HVAC industry is preparing for new year’s regulations. As many of you know by now, the new refrigerant regulations coming our way mean the equipment containing industry standard R410A— considered a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant— will no longer be manufactured in the U.S. as of January 1, 2025. This massive regulatory overhaul has been put in place to lower the industry’s environmental impact and increase sustainability across the country. For Coburn’s and our customers, this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about future-proofing your business, doubling down on safety, and adapting to the evolving landscape. Whether you’re a contractor, retailer or installer, preparing for every aspect of this transition is essential for both short- and long-term success.
When it comes to compliance, safety practices will also undergo a few updates. For instance, installers will be required to purge lines and check leaks, but will not be able to “unbraze” equipment. A B10 Fire extinguisher will need to be present on job sites, in addition to the existing vehicle requirements. Finally, when you’re storing and transporting these new refrigerants, you’ll be required to stack them vertically (unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer), and your trucks will be limited to 22 drums (440 lbs) of refrigerant per vehicle. If you have been sticking to best practices in your business, you shouldn’t have to adjust much here. These are small updates to the existing standards, not a complete overhaul. Important Dates to Remember: • Self-contained equipment (window air conditioners, PTACs, dehumidifiers) using R410A can be sold and installed until January 1, 2028. • Existing R410A systems in warehouses can be sold and installed until January 1, 2026. • Replacement components for R410A systems— such as condensers, air handlers and evaporators— currently have no set phase-out date, although the EPA and DOE may introduce additional restrictions on Outdoor Units with No Match (OUWNM).
What’s Changing: Key Elements of the 2025 Regulations
Starting in 2025, HVAC manufacturers will be forced to transition from R410A to low-GWP refrigerants like R32 and R454B. These two new refrigerants are classified as A2L, meaning they’re low in GWP, but also slightly flammable, similar to how wet wood burns. Although this change is manageable, it does mean adjusting how you handle, store and transport these materials.
R32 is known for its energy efficiency. It has a lower GWP compared to R410A, making it an environmentally friendlier option. R454B is significantly less than R32 in terms of GWP and is slightly less flammable and a popular choice for certain systems.
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