The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry is undergoing a significant transition as traditional refrigerants like R-410A and R-407C are being phased out in favor of more sustainable, environmentally responsible alternatives. The legacy refrigerants have high Global Warming Potential (GWP), meaning even small leaks can significantly impact the environment. In response to evolving environmental regulations, A2L refrigerants are emerging as the new industry standard. This newer refrigerant classification indicates that they are of lower toxicity, mildly flammable, and have low burning velocity, making them a more climate-conscious choice for the future of HVAC.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what A2L refrigerants are, the reasons behind the industry shift, and how facility managers can prepare their buildings and teams for the changes ahead.
Understanding A2L Refrigerants
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) classifies a refrigerant as the fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigeration system; the refrigerant absorbs heat and transfers it at a higher temperature and a higher pressure, usually with a change of state. A2L refrigerants are a newer class of refrigerants designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional options like R-410A. The term “A2L” is a classification defined by ASHRAE where “A” means the refrigerant has low toxicity, “2” indicates it is mildly flammable, and “L” refers to its low burning velocity. While A2L refrigerants do have some flammability risk – requiring a continuous ignition source to ignite and sustain a flame – their reduced GWP makes them a more sustainable choice for HVAC systems. As the industry moves toward reducing environmental impact, understanding how A2Ls work and how to handle them safely is becoming increasingly important.
The Transition to A2L Refrigerants
The transition from older refrigerants like R-410A to A2L refrigerants is significantly driven by the need to reduce global environmental impact. Traditional refrigerants often have a high GWP, meaning they can largely contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere—even in small amounts. As part of a global effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions, environmental and regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ASHRAE, and the Department of Energy (DOE) have developed strict guidelines that limit the use of high-GWP substances in HVAC systems.
A2L refrigerants offer a more climate-friendly alternative with a much lower GWP, helping organizations meet compliance standards and sustainability goals. In addition, many manufacturers are now designing equipment specifically for A2Ls, which means facility managers need to be aware of these changes to stay ahead of future requirements and ensure safe, efficient operation of their systems.
How Facility Managers Can Prepare
As the HVAC industry shifts toward low-GWP refrigerants, facility managers play a key role in ensuring their buildings and teams are prepared for this transition. The first step is to evaluate existing HVAC systems to identify those using refrigerants like R-410A. As these systems get older and need to be replaced, it’s critical to start planning for new equipment that is designed to operate with A2L refrigerants.
In addition, facility managers should work with licensed HVAC professionals who are trained to work with A2L systems to ensure that installations comply with all relevant codes and safety standards. Providing basic training and awareness for in-house maintenance staff is also important, particularly around leak detection, ventilation requirements, and safe handling procedures.
To future-proof their buildings, facility managers should start thinking about upgrading to systems that meet new rules and support sustainability. Choosing equipment that works with A2L refrigerants now can help avoid expensive changes later. Planning ahead also helps keep operations safe, energy-efficient, and in line with environmental guidelines.
Partnering with Stark Tech
The shift to A2L refrigerants is not just a trend—it’s the future of HVAC. Understanding the safety, design, and code requirements is critical to ensuring successful adoption. With a partner like Stark Tech at your side, transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants can be seamless, safe, and efficient.
Have questions about A2L refrigerants or system upgrades? Contact our team today to get started at [email protected]
