The Shift to A2L Refrigerants: What Property Managers Need to Know
The HVAC industry is undergoing one of the most significant technology transitions in decades. Beginning in 2025 and continuing through the remainder of the decade, federal regulations are pushing manufacturers, contractors, and building operators to move away from high–global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants toward newer alternatives known as A2L refrigerants.
For property managers overseeing multifamily housing, office buildings, or commercial facilities, this transition will affect equipment procurement, capital planning, maintenance practices, and compliance requirements. Understanding the regulatory landscape, and the practical implications, is essential to avoid costly surprises.
This guide explains the shift to A2L refrigerants, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations driving the change, and the key considerations property managers should understand for 2026 and beyond.
Understanding the Refrigerant Transition
Refrigerants are the working fluids that enable air conditioning and refrigeration systems to remove heat from indoor spaces. For decades, HVAC equipment commonly relied on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) such as R-410A, which became popular because they did not harm the ozone layer.
However, while HFCs solved one environmental problem, they created another. Many HFCs have extremely high global warming potential. As a result, regulators worldwide have begun phasing them down in favor of lower-impact alternatives.
In the United States, this shift is primarily driven by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which authorizes the EPA to reduce production and consumption of HFC refrigerants while promoting climate-friendly alternatives.
Under the AIM Act, the EPA plans to reduce HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036. One of the key strategies to achieve that goal is transitioning to A2L refrigerants.
What Are A2L Refrigerants?
Refrigerants are categorized by safety classification, which includes toxicity and flammability levels.
The “A2L” classification refers to refrigerants that are:
- A: Low toxicity
- 2L: Mildly flammable, with low burning velocity
Compared to legacy refrigerants, A2Ls offer dramatically lower environmental impact while maintaining high performance in modern HVAC equipment. Common A2L refrigerants include:
- R-454B
- R-32
- R-1234yf
- R-452B
- R-454C
These refrigerants typically have much lower global warming potential than traditional HFCs such as R-410A or R-134a. Because of their environmental advantages, many HVAC manufacturers have redesigned product lines to use these refrigerants in new equipment.
Why the Industry Is Moving to A2L
Three primary factors are driving the shift to A2L refrigerants:
1. Climate Regulations
The EPA’s HFC phasedown is the largest regulatory driver behind the transition. The Technology Transitions Program restricts the use of high-GWP refrigerants in new equipment across multiple sectors, including residential and commercial HVAC systems.
2. Global Policy Alignment
The U.S. refrigerant transition aligns with international climate initiatives such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to reduce HFC emissions worldwide.
3. Manufacturer Innovation
HVAC manufacturers have already begun redesigning systems to operate with A2L refrigerants. New residential and commercial systems increasingly rely on refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32 instead of R-410A.
Key EPA Regulations Affecting Property Managers
Property managers don’t need to become refrigerant experts, but understanding the regulatory framework is essential for planning HVAC upgrades. Several EPA rules will directly impact building owners and managers.
1. The Technology Transitions Rule (Effective 2025)
The EPA’s Technology Transitions rule is the centerpiece of the refrigerant shift.
As of January 1, 2025, most new residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems must use refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 700 or less.
This effectively eliminates many legacy refrigerants from new equipment. Examples:
- R-410A: GWP ~2,088 (being phased out)
- R-454B: GWP ~466 (A2L alternative)
- R-32: GWP ~675 (A2L alternative)
As a result, nearly all new HVAC equipment entering the market is now designed to operate with lower-GWP refrigerants. For property managers, this means replacement systems installed after the transition will likely use A2L refrigerants.
2. Manufacturing and Installation Deadlines
While the manufacturing transition began in 2025, installation deadlines extend slightly longer.
- Manufacturers cannot produce new systems using R-410A after December 31, 2024.
- Existing inventory could still be sold and installed through 2025 in many cases.
These deadlines allow contractors and distributors time to sell off older inventory.
For property managers planning HVAC replacements:
- Equipment installed after 2025 will increasingly use A2L refrigerants.
- Supply of older refrigerants may become limited or more expensive over time.
3. SNAP Program Approval of A2L Refrigerants
The EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program evaluates and approves refrigerants for specific applications.
Recent SNAP rules approve several A2L refrigerants for use in residential and commercial air conditioning systems, subject to safety conditions. These conditions often include:
- Equipment design requirements
- Charge limits (maximum refrigerant amount)
- Compliance with safety standards such as UL 60335
For property managers, SNAP approvals ensure that A2L refrigerants can be safely used in modern HVAC equipment when installed properly.
4. Installation Restrictions and GWP Limits
EPA regulations also limit the installation of systems using high-GWP refrigerants. For example:
- Systems with GWP above 700 cannot generally be installed after 2026 unless they were manufactured before certain deadlines.
This rule gradually removes high-GWP refrigerants from new installations. For property managers, it means future equipment replacements will almost certainly involve A2L or other low-GWP alternatives.
5. New Leak Detection Requirements
Another regulatory change affecting facilities is stricter leak detection requirements. Beginning in 2026:
- Systems containing large refrigerant charges may require automatic leak detection systems.
- New equipment installed in 2026 must include leak detection during installation or within 30 days.
These requirements aim to prevent refrigerant emissions and improve safety. For larger buildings, such as commercial facilities or large multifamily complexes, this may require new monitoring technologies.
Safety Considerations with A2L Refrigerants
One of the most common concerns about A2L refrigerants is flammability. Although they are technically flammable, the risk is relatively low.
A2L refrigerants are considered “mildly flammable”, with low burning velocity and strict safety standards governing their use. Safety protocols typically include:
- Leak detection sensors
- Proper ventilation
- Refrigerant charge limits
- Equipment specifically designed for A2L refrigerants
It is important to note that A2L refrigerants cannot be used in systems designed for older refrigerant types. This means retrofitting an existing system by simply replacing the refrigerant is generally not allowed.
Building Code and Jurisdictional Challenges
One complexity in the A2L transition involves building codes.
While federal regulations approve A2L refrigerants, local building codes determine whether and how they can be installed. Many jurisdictions have updated their mechanical, fire, and building codes to accommodate A2L refrigerants, but adoption varies by state and municipality.
Property managers should work with contractors to verify:
- Local code acceptance of A2L refrigerants
- Fire safety requirements
- Ventilation requirements
- Maximum charge limits for indoor installations
Failure to verify these requirements could delay HVAC replacement projects.
Capital Planning for Property Managers
The refrigerant transition has major financial implications for building operators.
Equipment Costs
New HVAC systems designed for A2L refrigerants may initially cost more due to redesigned components and safety features. Additionally, over time prices are expected to stabilize as adoption increases.
Refrigerant Pricing
As production of legacy HFCs declines, refrigerant prices may rise due to supply restrictions. Buildings relying on older refrigerants could face higher service costs.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Some facilities may need additional safety systems, including:
- Leak detection
- Mechanical ventilation
- Refrigerant monitoring
These costs should be factored into long-term capital planning.
What Property Managers Should Do Now
To prepare for the refrigerant transition, property managers should consider several proactive steps.
1. Audit Existing HVAC Systems
Identify systems that still use high-GWP refrigerants and determine their remaining life expectancy.
2. Plan Replacement Timelines
Budget for replacement of aging systems before maintenance costs become excessive.
3. Coordinate with HVAC Contractors
Ensure contractors are trained and certified to handle A2L refrigerants safely.
4. Monitor Local Code Updates
Stay informed about local building code changes related to A2L installations.
5. Budget for Compliance Upgrades
Include potential leak detection and safety upgrades in capital planning.
The Future of Refrigerants
The shift to A2L refrigerants represents only one step in a broader transformation of the HVAC industry. In the coming years, additional refrigerant technologies may emerge, including:
- Natural refrigerants such as CO₂ and ammonia
- Ultra-low-GWP synthetic refrigerants
- Advanced heat pump technologies
Meanwhile, the EPA will continue implementing the AIM Act’s phasedown schedule through 2036. For property managers, this means HVAC planning will increasingly intersect with climate policy and environmental regulations.
The Future is Now
The transition to A2L refrigerants marks a major turning point for the HVAC industry and building operations. Driven by the EPA’s implementation of the AIM Act, the shift aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cooling systems while maintaining performance and reliability.
Beginning in 2025 and accelerating through the rest of the decade, property managers will encounter new equipment, updated building codes, stricter leak detection rules and evolving refrigerant technologies.
Although the transition may require careful planning and investment, it also presents an opportunity to modernize HVAC infrastructure, improve efficiency and align building operations with future environmental standards.
For property managers who stay informed and plan ahead, the shift to A2L refrigerants can be navigated smoothly and, ultimately, contribute to more sustainable, future-ready buildings.
About Nationwide Refrigeration, Inc.
Nationwide Refrigeration, Inc. (NRI) is an employee-owned company providing expert commercial refrigeration, HVAC and ice machine services across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia since 1974. Known for its commitment to doing the job right the first time and the right thing every time, NRI offers emergency service from EPA-certified technicians and supports over 160 equipment brands. In 2020, NRI became fully employee-owned, reinforcing its dedication to quality, integrity and long-term customer relationships. The company’s strong, people-first culture continues to drive its reputation for reliability and resilience. For more information, please visit nriusa.com.