The EPA proposed to limit the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants in new comfort cooling equipment manufactured on or after Jan. 1, 2025, to 700 GWP.

For new residential and light commercial central air conditioning equipment, the AHRI petition seeks a regulation requiring that equipment manufacturers use refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 750 or less in equipment made after Jan. 1, 2025, with the exception of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) equipment, whose deadline would be Jan. 1, 2026.

The potential for CARB’s GWP limits and implementation dates to align with the EPA’s sector-based controls under the AIM Act create an environment in which a de facto nationwide HFC regulatory framework could actually emerge.

Today, more than 8 million mini-split systems around the world are using R-32, and 80% of new cars sold in the U.S. use A2Ls in their air conditioners.  

When replacing R-410A, engineers should consider commercially available, single-component, or azeotrope refrigerants that meet AHRI Standard 700 with zero ODP and a maximum 750 GWP.