AHR Trending Topic
Refrigerants, A2Ls and Regulations

Keep Pace with Changing Regulations, System Design, and Safety Protocols

HVACR continues to undergo significant changes in regulation. Central to these changes are A2L refrigerants, or refrigerants considered to be mildly flammable, safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives compared to traditional, High GWP options. Governments across the globe move to tighten regulations in an effort to phase out these high-GWP refrigerants, and the HVACR industry consistently faces new challenges and opportunities for system design and safety protocol. 

 

Highlights from the AHR Education Program that address Refrigerants, A2Ls and Regulations

 

What industry leaders are saying about Refrigerants, A2Ls and Regulations

(Excerpts from the 2025 AHR Expo Trend report)

“The AIM Act instructed EPA to ensure competent personnel are doing this work. PHCC strongly supports stronger enforcement of licensing and certification requirements to ensure safe and optimal performance of advanced heating and cooling systems.”

— Cindy Sheridan, PHCC

“The transition from HFC refrigerants to their successors that began in 2011 is nearing completion and the industry is now working with regulators and NGOs to explore the feasibility and safety of moving to even lower-GWP refrigerants for some applications in the future. Our industry is also heavily involved in decarbonization efforts, both in the United States and around the world, always focused on economic viability as well as technological feasibility. Other issues on our radar include increasing state efforts to regulate PFAS chemicals and plastics and packaging, as well as to implement extended producer responsibility programs.”

— Steve Yurek, AHRI

“An overarching trend toward decarbonization and electrification of buildings will mean that commissioning and energy management are even more of a focus. The ever-changing landscape requires those in the industry to constantly be learning, growing, and adapting while still maintaining the fundamentals of the HVACR industry.”

— Jeremy Johnson, AABC

Trending Discussions

One area that is being closely monitored is the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly concerning refrigerant regulations and energy efficiency standards. Staying compliant with these regulations while maintaining system performance and cost-effectiveness is a significant concern for industry stakeholders. The impact of climate change on HVACR system design and operation, including the need for more resilient and adaptable systems, is also a critical issue on the radar. (Source: ASHB)

One major shift to follow is the discussion of A3 refrigerants in residential applications. (Source: AHRI)

Join the discussion on Refrigerants, A2Ls and Regulations and other essential topics impacting HVACR at the 2025 AHR Expo, Feb 10-12, Orlando.