– The New Era of Low-GWP Refrigerants
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was authorized on December 27, 2020 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HVAC manufacturers are now required to transition to the next level of low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants for all new residential HVAC systems manufactured by Jan 1, 2025, and installed by Jan 1, 2026. The deadline for manufacturing Commercial HVAC including VRF systems is Jan 1, 2026, meaning that the switch to low-GWP refrigerant will need to take place on or before that date. What does this mean for contractors or building owners? Let Hitachi keep you informed on these changes and help you make the right choices for your business.
–What Are A2L Refrigerants?
The HVAC industry transitioned from ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants such as R-22 to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants like R-410A back in 2010. Next, the industry will make a similar transition to a new generation of low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants. These low-GWP refrigerants fall into a category referred to as "A2L," which is a class of refrigerants with low toxicity and low flammability. The fact that A2L indicates low flammability has caused concern about the safety, and we want to help eliminate any misunderstandings.
Check the following video: What are A2L Refrigerants and Why Do We Need Them?
The HVAC industry transitioned from ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants such as R-22 to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants like R-410A back in 2010. Next, the industry will make a similar transition to a new generation of low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants. These low-GWP refrigerants fall into a category referred to as "A2L," which is a class of refrigerants with low toxicity and low flammability. The fact that A2L indicates low flammability has caused concern about the safety, and we want to help eliminate any misunderstandings.
Check the following video: What are A2L Refrigerants and Why Do We Need Them?
–Understanding Low-Flammability Refrigerants
During this transition, it is important to understand that not all flammable refrigerants are the same. This makes it an ideal time to firm up our understanding of A2L refrigerants such as R-32, and how they differ from other flammable refrigerants.
-A2L refrigerants are not new. They are currently being used in systems you may already be familiar with, like window and room air conditioners. They are now allowed to be used in larger-size units; an industry first.
-Flammability classes are not all the same. In fact, the differences in flammability properties of varying refrigerant classes are significant. For example, R-32 is considered an A2L category with lower flammability refrigerant and the flammability properties differ significantly compared to refrigerants in higher A2 or A3 flammability classes, which include propane blends. See the video below for a comparison of the flammability properties for different refrigerants.
-Safety measures are mostly the same. This lower-flammability A2L classification uses many of the same best practices commonly used with R-410A refrigerant.
Check the following video: Are Refrigerants Flammable?
During this transition, it is important to understand that not all flammable refrigerants are the same. This makes it an ideal time to firm up our understanding of A2L refrigerants such as R-32, and how they differ from other flammable refrigerants.
-A2L refrigerants are not new. They are currently being used in systems you may already be familiar with, like window and room air conditioners. They are now allowed to be used in larger-size units; an industry first.
-Flammability classes are not all the same. In fact, the differences in flammability properties of varying refrigerant classes are significant. For example, R-32 is considered an A2L category with lower flammability refrigerant and the flammability properties differ significantly compared to refrigerants in higher A2 or A3 flammability classes, which include propane blends. See the video below for a comparison of the flammability properties for different refrigerants.
-Safety measures are mostly the same. This lower-flammability A2L classification uses many of the same best practices commonly used with R-410A refrigerant.
Check the following video: Are Refrigerants Flammable?
–Search For Local A2L Building Codes
Looking for what A2L refrigerant codes, legislation and standards apply to your area? The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) in partnership with the International Code Council (ICC) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) has provided an interactive map with information about the transition.
Looking for what A2L refrigerant codes, legislation and standards apply to your area? The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) in partnership with the International Code Council (ICC) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) has provided an interactive map with information about the transition.
–Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell and/or install residential ductless split systems using R-410A after January 1, 2025?
Residential ductless split systems using R-410A Refrigerant can no longer be produced or sold by manufacturers in the US as of January 1, 2025, and must be installed by January 1, 2026. There is currently no restriction on the sale of parts to service currently installed ductless split systems, including components such as condensing units, indoor coils and indoor air handling units.
Which refrigerant will Hitachi switch to?
Hitachi will be using R32 refrigerant in North America for all residential and commercial equipment.
Will R-32 work in existing R-410A systems?
No. R-32 is NOT a drop-in replacement for R-410A. Although many of the characteristics of R-32 are similar to R-410A, the use of R-32 is restricted by code and regulation to systems for which it has been specifically designed.
Is there any known drop-in replacement for R-410A?
No. There are not any known, low-GWP (<700 GWP), ASHRAE A1 drop-ins for R-410A in ductless HVAC systems.
Will ductless HVAC systems require refrigerant detection systems (RDSs)?
RDSs will be required under certain conditions based on things like space dimensions and amount of refrigerant being used. RDS will be factory-installed on some equipment based on need, but not on all sizes & tonnages since it won’t be required for all applications. RDS sensors can be ordered and field-installed where it is deemed necessary. All installers should refer to their local governing bodies for details and requirements regarding the installation and use of RDS for specific applications.
Will there be shut-off valves with A2L refrigerants on Hitachi products?
For some systems there will be shut-off valves if required by UL standards. Stay tuned for upcoming product launches for more information.
Will Hitachi provide tools and software to make selection for customers?
Yes, Hitachi will provide selection software to allow for selecting the optimal system by the room area.
Can you top-off the R32 refrigerant by adding more gas into the system?
Yes, since it's a single compound refrigerant. Topping off the system with more R32 refrigerant will not change the composition of the mix.
Glossary of Terms
A2L: A = non-toxic, 2 = flammable, L = low burning velocity
ACCA: Air Conditioning Contractors of America
AIM: the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act gave the EPA authority to phase down HFC use over the next 15 years
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
ESCO: standards, validation tools and training resources for the HVACR and building science fields
GWP: global warming potential
HCFC: hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerants
HFC: hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants
SNAP: the Significant New Alternatives Policy Rule 23 has approved six new refrigerants for residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump applications – all six of these new refrigerants fall into the A2L category
Can I sell and/or install residential ductless split systems using R-410A after January 1, 2025?
Residential ductless split systems using R-410A Refrigerant can no longer be produced or sold by manufacturers in the US as of January 1, 2025, and must be installed by January 1, 2026. There is currently no restriction on the sale of parts to service currently installed ductless split systems, including components such as condensing units, indoor coils and indoor air handling units.
Which refrigerant will Hitachi switch to?
Hitachi will be using R32 refrigerant in North America for all residential and commercial equipment.
Will R-32 work in existing R-410A systems?
No. R-32 is NOT a drop-in replacement for R-410A. Although many of the characteristics of R-32 are similar to R-410A, the use of R-32 is restricted by code and regulation to systems for which it has been specifically designed.
Is there any known drop-in replacement for R-410A?
No. There are not any known, low-GWP (<700 GWP), ASHRAE A1 drop-ins for R-410A in ductless HVAC systems.
Will ductless HVAC systems require refrigerant detection systems (RDSs)?
RDSs will be required under certain conditions based on things like space dimensions and amount of refrigerant being used. RDS will be factory-installed on some equipment based on need, but not on all sizes & tonnages since it won’t be required for all applications. RDS sensors can be ordered and field-installed where it is deemed necessary. All installers should refer to their local governing bodies for details and requirements regarding the installation and use of RDS for specific applications.
Will there be shut-off valves with A2L refrigerants on Hitachi products?
For some systems there will be shut-off valves if required by UL standards. Stay tuned for upcoming product launches for more information.
Will Hitachi provide tools and software to make selection for customers?
Yes, Hitachi will provide selection software to allow for selecting the optimal system by the room area.
Can you top-off the R32 refrigerant by adding more gas into the system?
Yes, since it's a single compound refrigerant. Topping off the system with more R32 refrigerant will not change the composition of the mix.
Glossary of Terms
A2L: A = non-toxic, 2 = flammable, L = low burning velocity
ACCA: Air Conditioning Contractors of America
AIM: the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act gave the EPA authority to phase down HFC use over the next 15 years
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
ESCO: standards, validation tools and training resources for the HVACR and building science fields
GWP: global warming potential
HCFC: hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerants
HFC: hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants
SNAP: the Significant New Alternatives Policy Rule 23 has approved six new refrigerants for residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump applications – all six of these new refrigerants fall into the A2L category
