R-410A Phase Out: EPA Amends Rule to Allow Continued Sales Posted on July 24, 2026 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a final rule allowing the continued installation of HVAC units that use R-410A refrigerant. Read on for the amended update regarding the R-410A phaseout. The Original Ruling The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 gradually phased out the use of existing classes of HFC refrigerants, in favor of the new class of A2L refrigerants. The new refrigerants have lower global warming potential (GWP), and are less toxic to handle. R-410A is included in the legacy refrigerants to be phased out, which we reported at the time. Under the original ruling, any split HVAC system made before Jan. 1, 2025, that used R-410A can no longer be installed. The Amendment In 2025, the EPA visited the original ruling amid concerns from the HVAC industry (discussed below). On May 26, 2026, the EPA revised the ruling to allow the continued installation of HVAC units that use R-410A refrigerant. The rule became effective on July 27, 2026. But since no new R-410A-based HVAC units are being manufactured, the ruling is intended to allow existing inventory to be sold until the stock runs out. The Fine Print The amended ruling applies to split HVAC systems that use R-410A that were made or imported before January 1, 2025. It only applies to units that are installed in residential and light commercial properties. Note that the ruling does not apply to New York, as the state passed a law codifying the original rule. So no R-410A systems can be installed in the Empire State. For HVAC units that don’t require field assembly, such as window air conditioners, the final date of sale is considered to be three years after the manufacture compliance date. It should be no later than Jan. 1, 2028. There are no compliance dates for installation. Why Did They Change the Ruling? After the original AIM Act was published, there were concerns over the availability of new HVAC units that use A2L refrigerant. After all, the new class of refrigerants were not compatible with existing HFC-based HVAC equipment, and manufacturers had to design and produce completely new units compatible with A2L. In 2025, there were also concerns over the supply of A2L refrigerant, leading the EPA to reconsider the phaseout timeline. By fall last year, the EPA proposed changes to the original rule to allow continued deployment of R-410A HVAC units. The amendment was approved by May 2026. What Does This Mean for Consumers? Homeowners, builders and contractors can still procure and install HVAC systems that use R-410A refrigerant, until the supply of existing units runs out. Consumers looking for a deal can expect discounts on R-410A ACs as vendors phase them out. However, note that the production of the R-410A refrigerant itself is gradually being phased out yearly, with the aim of reducing it down to 15% of current production in 10 years. This means that while you may get a good deal on the HVAC unit itself, the refrigerant refill and maintenance is likely to get more costly and challenging in the coming years. The choice is between short-term savings vs. long-term futureproofing. Whichever route you choose, Total Home Supply offers both R-410A units as well as A2L HVAC systems. If you find yourself being overwhelmed by choices, drop us a message and we’ll gladly help you out. Also check out our related guides to help you choose: A2L Refrigerants: Everything You Need to Know R32 vs R410A Refrigerant: What’s the Difference? Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
