A2L Ducted ACs Overtake Sales of Legacy Units Posted on August 27, 2025 The new class of A2L refrigerants — known for their lower global warming potential (GWP) — have officially overtaken sales of the unitary HVAC market. According to the Unitary Market Share Report by Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), A2L ducted units now account for 51% of residential and light commercial HVAC systems sold in the United States as of April 2025. Significance in the Market The meteoric rise of A2L-based HVAC is remarkable, considering it comprised less than 5% of the market as recently as November 2024. Based on preliminary data, HARDI forecasts A2L shares to grow to a further 60% in May. This rapid shift is a significant milestone as the HVAC industry continues to transition away from high-GWP HFC-based refrigerants such as R-410A. The momentum behind A2Ls is being driven by both regulatory pressure as well as greater ecological awareness among the general public. The transition is in compliance with the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which mandates the phasedown of HFCs in favor of eco-friendly alternatives. The market shift towards A2Ls continues despite the reported review by the EPA to potentially change the phaseout timeline. According to HARDI’s report, 27 states now have markets where A2L refrigerants dominate, while others are expected to follow suit throughout 2025 and 2026. Why A2L Refrigerants? A2L refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B, are classified as mildly flammable but offer significant environmental benefits: Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP): Up to 75% less than R-410A. Better Efficiency: Many units using A2Ls operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption. Regulatory Compliance: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) are increasingly supporting A2L-based systems for meeting future climate goals. The industry’s leading manufacturers such as Carrier, Friedrich, GE, and others have already rolled out new A2L-compatible product lines. What Does This Mean for Consumers and HVAC Contractors? For Homeowners and Consumers Is it safe to have A2L refrigerant in my home HVAC system? Yes. A2L refrigerants are more efficient, less toxic, and more eco-friendly than their older HFC counterparts.Most residential systems will contain a small enough amount of the refrigerant that leak sensors are not needed. Will I need to upgrade my HVAC system? Not immediately. But if your system uses R-410A and is nearing the end of its life, future replacements will use A2L refrigerants. Note that older HVAC systems are not compatible with A2L refrigerants, and newer A2L-based HVAC units also cannot use HFC refrigerants. Also note that tax incentives for energy efficient HVAC upgrades are expiring at the end of the year. If you’re considering replacing your old AC or heat pump with a new Energy Star-certified A2L unit, now is the time to upgrade before the tax credits expire. Check out our Guide to Energy Efficient ACs for more information. Will A2L refrigerants save me money? Yes. A2L refrigerants offer better efficiency, reducing your energy bills. As legacy refrigerants get gradually phased out, these older refrigerants will get harder to find, and therefore get more expensive to source compared to their newer counterparts. For HVAC Contractors and Technicians How does A2L adoption affect my service offerings? You’ll need to be trained and certified to handle A2L refrigerants. These systems require different servicing techniques, safety measures, and tools compared to R-410A units. Can I retrofit an existing R-410A unit to use A2L refrigerant? No. Retrofitting from R-410A to A2L is not permitted due to safety concerns and system incompatibility. A2Ls require different components, including compressors, pressure ratings, and safety controls. Will local building codes change because of A2Ls? In many areas, yes. Local adoption of building codes is catching up with national standards, and some jurisdictions require additional permits or inspections for A2L installations. Get Future-Proofed Today The HVAC industry is in the middle of a major refrigerant transition, and A2L refrigerants are leading the way. For homeowners, this means cleaner, more efficient systems in the near future. For contractors, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to stay updated with training and build expertise in the next generation of climate-friendly cooling systems. Ready to embrace the future?Total Home Supply carries a wide range of HVAC systems that are compatible with the latest refrigerants. Whether you’re upgrading or installing a new unit, we’re here to help with expert advice and trusted products from top brands. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
