Rheem® A2L Updates

NEW REFRIGERANT ON THE HORIZON FOR 2025 – REFRIGERANT CHANGE
In 2020, a bipartisan senate bill known as the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was enacted into law. It authorizes a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) across a variety of applications, including HVAC. The bill gives the U.S. EPA the authority to prescribe the HFC phase down, with rulemaking underway.

WHAT’S CURRENTLY HAPPENING
It is expected that the EPA will soon act, setting a 750 GWP limit for air conditioning in 2025. That will mean that R-410A, with a GWP of 2,088, will no longer be able to be used in new equipment manufactured after the compliance date – which has yet to be determined. It is estimated, however, that the transition to lower GWP refrigerants will begin in 2025.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ALTERNATIVES?
The most common low-GWP alternatives to R-410A are classified by ASHRAE as mildly flammable, or A2L. Due to their mildly flammable characteristics, A2L refrigerants will require updates to standards and building codes to allow for their safe installation. As a leading influencer on regulatory issues, we are actively involved in the discussions and will continually keep you informed and prepared.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
rheem.com/hvacknowzone