A2L – FAQs Quick Read   updated 1/2/2025

January 1, 2025 - End of manufacturing of R-410a units

January 1, 2025 - R-410a and R454b systems and units can be sold

January 1, 2026 - End of installing R-410a systems

January 2, 2026 - Distributors must start selling R-454B / R-32 units*

* The DOE has finalized its test procedure, providing clarity on the use of R-410A units after January 1, 2026. Existing inventory can now be used as repair components, aligning DOE rules with EPA guidelines. Learn what this means for your business and system repairs moving forward. HARDI 12/19/2024

*Currently there is no restriction on the sale of parts to service R-410a and older units, including the sale of components such as condensing units, indoor coils, and indoor air handling units. 7/2024

Package units – (where the refrigerant system is completed at the factory) are allowed a 3 year “installation sell through” period for systems manufactured prior to January 1, 2025

Will R-454B work in a R-410A / R-32 system or
is there a drop-in replacement refrigerant for R-410A / R-32?
No.

With a R-454B / R-32 system is a Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) required?
Possibly. Certain conditions may exist like space or amount of refrigerant used. RDS may be factory installed on some equipment. RDS sensors can be ordered and field installed were needed.
Also refer to State or Local government regulations before installing a freon system.

How flammable is the A2L refrigerant?
Ignition Temperature > 1472*F

Are the A2L cylinders a new design?
Yes. Red top band with gray color. Left hand threads.

Can A2L be transported in my vehicle as usual?
Similar but different from A1’s.  

Can A2L be stored indoors as usual?
Special provisions required for separation from other combustible material

Do I need new tools and service equipment?
Possibly. Check with the manufacture

Can I reclaim R-454B with R410A or any other freon in the same tank?
No. A mix of dirty gas with be worthless. A dedicated reclaim tank must be used

Do I need to update my EPA Section 608 licenses?
Yes

For more detailed information please see links below or contact the manufacturer of the equipment.

• Current American Standard refrigerant transition info can be found at:
  
  www.ASDealerNet.com / Marketing / Playbook HUB / American Standard Refrigerant Transition Playbook
  
  
  
• Learning Resources can be found at My Learning. Search "refrigerant transition"
  
  
  
• FAQ & Bulletins Library

• A2L Refrigerant Building Code Map
  
  
  
• Safe Refrigerant Transition - resources and fact sheets

• Flex Coil
  
  
  
• ACHRnews 2024 design award article

• A2L Refrigerant Transition
  
  
  
• Is Your Business Ready?
  
  
  
• ACCA - A2L Refrigerant Safety Training
  
  
  
• Champion Regulatory Change book 2024-03

• What to know about the Low-GWP Refrigerant Transition
  
  
  
• Understanding the impact of Low-GWP refrigherants in the residential and commercial applications

• Reducing Use of HFCs
  
  
  
• Technlogy Transition Fact Sheet
  
  
  
• FAQ
  
  
  
• FAQ - Distributor Questions

• A2L Transition Coursework

• Why R32

• Aug 31, 2024 last day to order R-410a units from the factory and ship by Dec 31, 2024