Refrigerant Legal Shift is a Multifamily Game‑Changer (6/18/25)

The air-conditioning world is shifting under our feet. A refrigerant legal shift is underway. Starting earlier this year, the EPA began phasing out HFC refrigerants, such as R-410A. It’s all part of the AIM Act—ushering in a healthier planet… and a whole new playbook for multifamily property operators. We’re talking new A2L refrigerants (like R‑32 and R‑454B), which have much lower global‑warming potential—and yes, technically they’re “slightly flammable.” What benefits do they offer? The benefits include a reduction of over 78% in climate impact and the development of increasingly efficient cooling systems.

What is the AIM Act?

This refrigerant legal shift is known as the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. It is a landmark climate law enacted on December 27, 2020. It empowers the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to significantly reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases used in refrigeration, A/C, foam, and fire suppression systems. The law:

• Proposes to phase down HFCs by 85% by 2036, compared to the baseline of 2011–2013.
• Establishes a cap-and-trade allowance system, where companies receive yearly HFC production/import allowances that decline over time.
• Requires stricter leak detection, reclamation, and safe handling of both high-GWP HFCs and lower-GWP substitutes.
• Allows for sector-based regulation to hasten the adoption of next-generation refrigerants such as A2Ls and other low-GWP alternatives.

What’s changing—and why it matters for your bottom line

• Jan. 1, 2025: No new R‑410A components can be sold or manufactured. Only new A2L-only gear can be sold.
• Jan. 1, 2026: Systems installed must be A2L-ready.
• July 1, 2026: Leak detection becomes active for systems containing 15 pounds or more of refrigerant.
• Jan. 1, 2028: Say goodbye to sales of complete R‑410A systems (epa.gov).
• Tooling, training, and safety: A2L systems require new protocols, compatible tools, and certified technicians—EPA Section 608 with manufacturer-level A2L training is essential.
• No retrofitting allowed: You can still service existing R‑410A units, but swapping in A2L refrigerants? Nope. You must design systems from the ground up for the new refrigerants.
• Planning = cost savings: Waiting until the last minute could result in premium pricing and longer lead times as older refrigerants become scarce. Not to mention potential added costs of tariffs and trade slowdowns.

What you can do now to stay ahead

1. Book A2L training for tech staff.
2. Verify that leak detectors and tools are A2L‑rated.
3. Audit your HVAC inventory. Schedule phase-outs and replacements accordingly.
4. Check ventilation and labeling against the new safety code.
5. Connect with certified A2L installers and distributors.

But seriously, are A2Ls risky?

Despite being “mildly flammable,” A2Ls have proven tough to ignite—tested against cigarettes, drills, power tools… no spontaneous combustion (rheem.com). They’re classified as ASHRAE A2L: non-toxic with low flammability, and safety mechanisms are already built in by manufacturers.

Read more details here on the EPA website.

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