2025 EPA Refrigerant Regulations: What HVAC Distributors Need to Know
As part of the United States’ effort to reduce an impact on global warming, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rolling out new regulations restricting the use of certain greenhouse gasses, like the refrigerants commonly used in HVAC units. With industry standards set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, this article answers your top questions, keeping you informed and focused on serving your customers.
How did we get here?
It all starts with the American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020.
Made law under the Trump-Pence Administration, and championed by Biden-Harris Administration, the AIM Act is a federal bipartisan effort to significantly reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are classified as commonly used, potent greenhouse gasses with high global warming potential (GWP).
The AIM Act directs the EPA to implement this reduction through a stepwise allowance allocation and transition program taking place over the next decade or so. The 2025 HVAC refrigerant regulation changes are a part of this change.
What are the key changes?
- Starting Jan. 1, 2025, refrigerants with high GWP will begin to be phased out.
- Under the new regulations, the EPA will enforce a 700 GWP limit for refrigerants used in new HVAC units – shifting from the commonly used R-410A, which has a GWP of 2,000 or more.
- In place of R-410A, the HVAC industry will rely on R-454B, R-466A, and R-32, which have a much lower GWP.
How will this shift impact the HVAC industry?
With a warming climate, experts estimate the use of air conditioning will triple by 2050, but these units collectively use about 20% of electricity in buildings today. This is why there’s a strong push to shift to more environmentally friendly and energy efficient practices across the HVAC industry.
To date, HVAC units with alternative refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 have been installed in millions of units across the U.S., with at least 10 states already implementing restrictions in line with the EPA.
Who is most impacted and when should I implement the new refrigerants?
HVAC equipment manufacturers are the most immediately impacted: residential and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured after Jan. 1, 2025 are required to use one of the new refrigerants.
HVAC equipment suppliers and distributors have a grace period: any units manufactured before Jan. 1, 2025 have one year to switch to the new refrigerants. The EPA states the shift must be complete by Jan. 1, 2026.
Should I upgrade my HVAC fleet now, or wait for the new R-454B units to become widely available?
Upgrading now depends on your company and your customers’ immediate needs.
If an HVAC unit is facing costly repairs, it might be best to upgrade to a new unit with an alternative refrigerant since it will be compliant with future regulations. HVAC equipment manufacturers have been increasing production as they near their deadline and newer units will become more widely available in the next several months.
Still not sure? TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales is happy to help you assess the best timing for your upgrade, taking into account current equipment conditions and the future availability of new units.
How will the transition to new refrigerants impact the cost and availability of HVAC systems and refrigerants in the coming years?
The phase-out of high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A will likely drive up cost as production decreases and halts.
Newer refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are designed to be more energy-efficient in the long-term, which could lower energy costs. The initial investment of upgrading might be higher due to limited supply with manufacturers ramping up production.
Contact TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales to stay informed of any shifts in pricing and availability.
I’m familiar with R-410A. What are the specs of the new R-454B refrigerant?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of R-410A, which is being phased out, and R-454B, which is compliant with new EPA regulations:
| R-410A | R-454B | |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | 2,088 | 466 |
| Longevity in the U.S. | Since 1996 | Still in early use phase |
| Can it be charged in both liquid and gas phase? | No | No |
| Is drop-in to existing R-410A units allowed? | N/A | No |
| Refrigerant Safety Classification | A1 | A2L |
| Flame Propagation | No | Yes, low flammability |
| Able to meet AIM Act Regulation of <750 GWP | No | Yes |
| System Efficiency | 100% | >102% |
| Refrigerant Cost ($/kg [$/lb.]) | $11.07 [$5.03] | $28.36 [$12.89] |
| Total Emissions (kg CO2-eq.) | 17,263 | 15,008 (13.1% lower) |
TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales can help you through this refrigerant transition.
Whether you’re a supplier, a technician, or a customer, staying informed and preparing early can help you navigate new EPA regulations. The team at TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales is committed to guiding you through this transition with expert advice, reliable equipment, and ongoing support.
With the shift to R-454B, our team is here to ensure your HVAC fleet remains compliant while minimizing downtime and disruptions. TEMP-AIR® Equipment Sales provides portable HVAC solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Below is a list of current Airrex units using R-410A refrigerant, along with their corresponding new refrigerant-compliant units and unit numbers.:
| R-410A | R-454B |
| HSC-12P | HSC-12R |
| HSC-14P | HSC-14R |
| HSC-18P | HSC-18R |
| HSC-24P | HSC-24R |
| HSC-36P | HSC-36R |
| HSC-60P 220/1 | HSC-60R 220/1 |
| HSC-60P 220/3 | HSC-60R 220/3 |
| HSC-60P 480/3 | HSC-60R 480/3 |
| HSC-70P | Discontinued |
| HWC-19P | HWC-19R |
| AHSC-14P | AHSC-14R |
| AHSC-18P | AHSC-18R |
| AHSC-42 | AHSC-42R |
| AHSC-60 480/3 | AHSC-60R 480/3 |
| AHSC-60 220/1 | AHSC-60R 220/1 |
| AHSC-140P 220/3 | AHSC-140R 220/3 |
| AHSC-140P 480/3 | AHSC-140R 480/3 |
| ADH-8000 | ADH-8000R |
Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you meet the new EPA refrigerant regulations.