You’ve probably heard that there is a significant change coming soon for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. But have you thought about how this will affect your operations and what steps you should be taking now? Let’s investigate.
Background
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 and the corresponding rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a 15-year phasedown of climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Because HFCs from HVAC equipment make up about 75% of total HFCs in the United States, limiting their use in refrigeration and air conditioning is a priority of the EPA and will start being enforced in many sectors beginning on January 1, 2025.
In response to the restrictions, the industry has adopted lower global warming potential alternatives – the most common being R-454B. While it is just as effective at cooling and offers environmental gains, R-454B is classified as A2L, meaning it is slightly more flammable than its predecessor.
Not surprisingly, this transition has spurred changes to safety standards like ASHRAE and UL. Most recently, the International Code Council 2024 I-Codes now align and allow A2Ls for commercial and residential use. To meet the new standards, there have been updates in HVAC design, storage and training.
Recommendations For Navigating the Transition to A2L
Understand the new regulations at the local level. Be an expert or partner with an expert on the new ASHRAE, UL and ICC regulations at the various locations of your build. Know the local codes at your factory location and destination site. Permit and inspection requirements may be different state-to-state, as they are in the process of adopting the new codes.
Get your orders in early. According to the National Association of Home Builders, it’s important to start coordinating with your suppliers and installers now to source the new A2L compliant equipment. With the looming deadline to stop using HFC refrigerants at the beginning of the year, there will most likely be increased demand. The offsite construction advantage of simultaneous building and site development cannot be leveraged if the factory is waiting around for HVAC equipment and installers.
Plan for storage; know your options. With the new flammability rating comes new storage guidelines, specifically about the space around A2L refrigerant and labeling, especially when stored in large quantities. More information can be found at the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
Train your HVAC contractors and technicians.  Be proactive about making sure your contractors have been trained on the new refrigerant, from the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to the technicians connecting the equipment on-site. Do they understand the performance of A2Ls? Are they up to speed on the proper handling and servicing of the new products? Additionally, tools like pumps and leak detectors must be rated for Class A2L refrigerants. Visit the  AHRI site for more details on the safe refrigerant transition. Manufacturers, distributors as well as educational and industry affiliations are good places to check for comprehensive training.
Technician Best Practices for A2L Installation and Servicing from AHRI
Last but not least, collaborate early and often. You may require some guidance during one or all of the building phases – that’s OK. If you don’t have designers, suppliers, electricians, installers and trainers in your back pocket, consider teaming-up with a strategic partner who will be able to not only provide the resources you need, but also understand the nuances of the new legislations and lead you through the process to a successful build.
About Wesco Wesco is a trusted partner, serving you with the continuity and quality you trust, wherever your business takes you. Our engaged and effective problem solvers immerse themselves from concept to execution, applying end-to-end product, service and technology solutions to your critical projects. Learn about Wesco’s offsite construction capabilities, including cost-effective HVAC solutions from our preferred suppliers Bard, Trane and Lennox.
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