The HVACR industry is no stranger to change. Since the 1980s, we have continuously changed our refrigerants.
- In 1989, the global developing countries came together to reduce ozone depletion through the Montreal Protocol. The industry transitioned from high ozone depletion potential (ODP) refrigerants such as CFCs (R-12, R-22, and R-11) to HFC refrigerants (R-134a and R-410A).
- Global environmental groups then focused on global warming. In 2016, the United Nations hosted a conference in Kigali, Rwanda which developed guidelines to reduce global warming and became known as the Kigali Amendment. The United States did not sign on to the Kigali Amendment, but most European and Asian countries did. Since then, Europe and Asia have been transitioning to lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants such as R-32, R-454B, and R-290 (propane). The U.S. had been transitioning to lower GWP refrigerants on the automotive sector. Since 2016, automobiles have been transitioning from HFC R-134a to the lower GWP refrigerant HFO 1234yf.
- In 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act). The AIM act authorizes the U.S. EPA to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) refrigerants. This will result in a phase down of HFC refrigerants and equipment produced with these refrigerants to 15% of the 2021 production base line by 2036.
Result of the AIM Act
The AIM act has significant immediate impact on the HVACR industry:
- Effective January 1, 2025: New domestic refrigeration equipment must use a refrigerant with a global warming potential less than 150 GWP.
- Effective January 1, 2025: New stationary air-conditioning equipment must use a refrigerant with a global warming potential less than 700 GWP.
- Effective January 1, 2036: Phase down of HFC Refrigerants to 15% of the 2021 baseline production.
Current Status
The lower GWP and ODP refrigerants being transitioned into the industry are either Hydroflouro-olefins (HFO) or Hydrocarbon (HC) based. HFOs such as R-1234yf and R-1234ze are categorized as mildly flammable (A2L). Hydrocarbons (HC) such as R-290 (Propane) and R-600a (Isobutane) are rated as highly flammable (A3) by ASHRAE.
New equipment is currently being manufactured with low GWP refrigerants.
Domestic refrigerators, vending machines, ice makers, and standalone supermarket equipment are being manufactured using the highly flammable A3 rated refrigerant R-290 (Propane).
Air-conditioning units, split systems, heat pumps, and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are being manufactured using the mildly flammable, A2L-rated R-32 (Difluoromethane) and R-454B (which is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf). 
What Impact Does This Have on My Classroom Instruction?
There is an immediate need to upgrade equipment and training to familiarize the instructors and students with how to handle A2L and A3 refrigerants.
- New vacuum pumps must be A2L- or A3-rated.
- New gauge manifold sets or updated apps for gauges are required.
- Leak detectors that are capable of detecting the new refrigerants are also required.
Students must be aware of the ventilation requirements when working on A2L and A3 systems.
- The new types of refrigerant cylinders require a nitrogen purge when
evacuating. - Units using hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants will have their process tubes clearly marked with red tape.
- All A2L and A3 refrigerant systems will include the flammability logo.
Much of the new equipment will contain new leak mitigation strategies.
- This includes leak detection devices that automatically initiate a blower to ventilate the area surrounding the unit in the event of a leak.
- Operation and service of these devices is new to our industry.
Embrace the Change!
The refrigerant industry continuously develops new refrigerants. Equipment manufacturers are continuously improving the efficiency of units. As a result, educators need to quickly learn how to install and service the new equipment.
Instructors can use this change as an opportunity to acquire new equipment and tools. Students who are certified and experienced in servicing the new units will be in great demand. Instructors will finally have the business case to approach administration to upgrade their labs.
It should be reiterated that the Automotive sector has been using R-1234yf (HFO) A2L since 2016! Much of the best practices used in today’s automotive service apply to the use of the other low GWP and ODP refrigerants.
Will this be the last big change? History has shown us the answer is probably not. The HVACR industry has continuously had to change and adapt as environmental legislation gets tighter. We have always embraced the change—and this time is not different. Turn to a trusted expert to guide you along.
Looking for Guidance?
The 2025 edition of Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning was created by top HVACR educators and industry leaders. This new resource includes up-to-date and enhanced coverage of heat pumps, A2L refrigerants, and the seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2). Take a free preview and review the updated content yourself.
Be a Leader in the Change That Our Industry Expects!
