As the 2025 transition to new, Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants approaches, it’s critical to start preparing your company. The shift to new refrigerants will significantly impact your business, and your current priority should be prepping for effective conversations with your team and your clientele to build confidence as a trusted HVAC-R contractor.

By now, your R-410A quotation, stock and sell-through plans should be established. However, for many installers and technicians, being told they will soon no longer be able to purchase R-410A can spark a flood of questions. Be prepared to answer these by understanding what’s changing and what’s staying the same. 

The important message: This change is nothing to be afraid of – but it does need to be respected.

Here’s what is changing: 
The EPA’s new refrigerant regulations are part of a global agreement to reduce greenhouse gases. At the time of this agreement to phase down refrigerants with high hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the current HVAC industry refrigerant, R-410A, was deemed a contributor to global warming. 

The EPA has mandated that manufacturers switch to a refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 700 or less by January 1, 2025. The transition to low GWP represents a positive step for the environment, as it significantly reduces the impact of harmful greenhouse gases. 

Allied Air has chosen the refrigerant R-454B, reducing the GWP rating of the refrigerants used in our products by 78% compared to R-410A.  LG has chosen R32 refrigerants. 

Flammability:
This transition to new refrigerants is nothing for dealers to be afraid of. Refrigerants in the A2L class are considered “mildly flammable” but no more dangerous than many other household products. An A2L refrigerant is safe when handled properly and when best practices and safety guidelines are applied. 

Safety:
We’re simplifying the transition to new refrigerants by making sure you have the training materials needed to ease minds. This is the time to start offering training sessions for your staff on safety and handling of R-454B refrigerant as your first step in building their confidence. Encourage your employees to start training now by directing them to Allied Air Academy on your dealer website, which offers them a library of over 30 videos focused on new refrigerant products.  You can also attend one of the many A2L training events Hercules is hosting across our footprint. 

Tools:
Tools like gauge sets and vacuum pumps may already be certified for use with R-454B refrigerants. If it doesn’t say on the tool itself, check with the manufacturer to find out if updates are needed. We believe building for tomorrow is as important as building for today. The transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants represents a positive step for the environment, as it significantly reduces the impact of harmful greenhouse gases. We embrace this change, as it aligns with our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. Allied Air and Hercules Industries are taking on the heavy lifting for you, ensuring your company has the most up to date information and materials needed to successfully transition to R-454B refrigerant.

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