What A2L Is and Why It
Matters to You

Overview

A2L Is Here—What You Need to Know

Starting in 2025, the US government will require residential HVAC equipment to meet new Global Warming Potential (GWP) and lower flammability standards.

When CFCs and HFCs were found harmful to the environment, a movement to reduce toxicity, flammability, and burning velocity began. A classification of refrigerants—A2L—meets the new requirements.

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What is a refrigerant?

A refrigerant is a working fluid used in the cooling cycle of air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It does not power a system; instead, it is a way to transfer energy between hot and cold.

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Discover the impact and benefits of A2L

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated a decrease in hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants. A2L refrigerants, as categorized by ASHRAE Standard 34 , have lower toxicity and flammability compared to other classifications. The designation of A = nontoxic, 2 = flammable, L = low burning velocity makes these refrigerants the second-safest refrigerant category. They also have a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than A2 class HFCs, which helps minimize the effect of the refrigeration systems on the global warming.

With the mandate of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, A2L refrigerants are increasingly being used as a substitute for A1-class HFCs and will be required starting in 2025.

A2L refrigerants will also support sustainability initiatives because of increased efficiency . Refrigeration technology and air conditioning take up about 19 % of the electricity consumption in the US, making it a priority for energy-efficient solutions such as A2L refrigerants.

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Navigating your buyer choice point

HVAC buyers, including homeowners, need to balance their urgency in installing or replacing HVAC systems with equipment manufactured for A2L compatibility.

For example, because traditional equipment cannot be manufactured or sold after January 1, 2025, HVAC system buyers could benefit from reduced prices as distributors look to move their inventory. However, the refrigerants for these systems will become increasingly expensive over time for system maintenance.

Additionally, it is not possible to mix A2L refrigerant into an existing system, nor is it possible to retrofit an existing system with A2L equipment. It becomes a choice in timing whether to purchase an A2L system now or in the future.

Purchasing an A2L-compliant system sooner than later could be a larger investment, although better operating efficiency leads to lower utility bills and lower refill volume and cost per refill, and refrigerant availability could offset that purchase over time. Additionally, newer models must comply with the stricter SEER2 standards for 2023, which makes them more efficient.

If you currently own an HVAC system, you can see what type of refrigerant it requires by researching the make and model number. Your Johnstone Supply HVAC professional can help you make an informed decision about your potential purchase.

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Disclaimer: The advice offered here is intended as a basic guide only and not to be used as, or substituted for, professional tax preparation advice. We strongly advise you seek professional support for assistance and advise you to consult with a certified tax preparation specialist or CPA as appropriate.