R410A Update: EPA Reconsiders Phaseout Timeline Posted on May 2, 2025 Back in 2022, we discussed the impending phaseout of the popular R410-A refrigerant in favor of more efficient, eco-friendly refrigerants, as stipulated in the American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing potential changes to the timeline, which could greatly impact compliance periods for consumers and manufacturers alike. Read on to learn about possible adjustments to the phaseout period. The Original R410A Phaseout Timeline The EPA’s original phaseout plan aligned with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, with the goal of a gradual reduction of HFC-based refrigerants. Here is the original R410A phaseout timeline: 2023–2024: Begin restricting the use of high-GWP refrigerants in new systems. 2025: Prohibit the manufacture and import of R410A for use in new residential and light commercial air conditioning equipment. 2026 and beyond: Steeper reductions in allowable HFC supply, with growing incentives to adopt low-GWP alternatives. This created an industry-wide push toward next-generation A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B, which offer similar performance but with much lower global warming potential (GWP). EPA Announcement of Possible Changes On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a slew of deregulation measures. One such action involved the “reconsideration of the Technology Transition Rule, that forces companies to use certain technologies that increase costs on food at grocery stores and semiconductor manufacturing.” The HFC phaseout is part of the Technology Transition Rule that is now under review by the agency. What Prompted the EPA to Reconsider? While the need for climate-friendly refrigerants remains urgent, several factors have prompted the EPA to reconsider the pace of the R410A phaseout: 1. Supply Chain Challenges Manufacturers have reported delays in sourcing materials, components, and new system designs needed to fully shift to R-32 or R-454B equipment. Ongoing global supply chain disruptions, along with the complexity of redesigning HVAC units for flammable or mildly flammable refrigerants, have created bottlenecks. 2. Contractor Preparedness HVAC technicians must be trained and certified to handle new refrigerants, especially those classified as A2L (mildly flammable). Without adequate time to prepare the workforce, the industry risks safety concerns and service delays. 3. Market Readiness Not all regions are equally prepared to adopt new refrigerant systems. Rural areas in particular may face barriers related to training, equipment availability, and code compliance. 4. Safety and Code Compliance The new generation of low-GWP refrigerants often falls under A2L classification, which comes with updated requirements for ventilation, leak detection, and fire safety under building codes like UL 60335-2-40. The rollout of updated codes has been uneven across states. What Might the Revised Timeline Look Like? As of early 2025, the EPA has not finalized any new dates, but it is actively reviewing feedback from industry stakeholders. Possible adjustments could include: Extending the 2025 deadline for new R410A-based systems to 2026 or 2027 Offering grace periods or exceptions for certain applications or regions Phasing in regional requirements, instead of implementing a nationwide switch at once Allowing continued service and repair using R410A in existing systems beyond 2030 It’s possible the agency may also implement staggered compliance dates for different system types (e.g., residential split systems vs. commercial rooftop units). Note that any potential adjustments to the timeline does not affect regulations at the state level. For states like California and Washington which have their own rules on HFC, the local laws remain in force regardless of changes at the federal level. This can create increased complexity for AC manufacturers and distributors who have to navigate both federal and state regulations. What This Means for Everyone For homeowners: No need to panic—your existing R410A system is not illegal and can still be serviced. If you’re planning to replace your AC unit soon, ask your contractor about low-GWP options like R-32 or R-454B systems. Expect wider availability of new refrigerant models by 2026. For contractors: Use this time to get trained and certified for A2L refrigerants. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) offers free A2L refrigerant training for ACCA members, of $49 per person for non-members. Educate clients on the differences in refrigerants, especially safety and code changes. Stock up on both R410A parts and compatible tools for new refrigerants. For AC manufacturers: Continue preparing for the transition but adjust inventory and logistics plans to match the updated phaseout scenario. Invest in training programs and consumer education campaigns. Monitor state-level code adoptions closely. How to Prepare for the Future of Refrigerants Even if the EPA delays the phaseout, the direction is clear: R410A is on the way out. To stay ahead, we recommend: Homeowners: Ask about refrigerant type before installing new AC systems. Businesses: Start carrying R-32 and R-454B compatible products. Technicians: Complete A2L training and certification. Conclusion The EPA’s potential reconsideration of the R410A phaseout timeline doesn’t change the ultimate goal: transitioning to more climate-friendly refrigerants. Instead, it signals a more practical and phased approach that reflects current market realities. As details unfold, stay abreast of regulatory updates by following the EPA’s AIM Act news. And of course, subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates on the AC industry along with our expert insights! Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
