2025 LGWP Refrigerant Transition
California R-410A Refrigerant Phaseout
R410A refrigerant, the initial replacement refrigerant for older R22 systems has now been found to be destructive to the ozone layer as well. The federal AIM Act requires an 85% phasedown of HFC refrigerants by 2036. Many states have already updated their building codes to allow for the use of low-global Warming Potential (LGWP) refrigerants such as A2L, while other states, such as California, have set specific timelines for compliance.
Timeline for San Diego
- January 1, 2025 Other air-conditioning (new) equipment, residential and non-residential, sold in California after this date must comply
- January 1, 2026 Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system (new) sold in California after this date must comply. As you can see they will start the for R410A phaseout for commercial equipment at the beginning of next year.
What is A2L?
As you can see above A2L is the safety classification they give to a certain refrigerant. The amount of GWP we are saving by making this R410A phaseout will help us to make the earth greener for years to come!