The United States is transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants and towards hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP). This includes phasing down the use of HFCs such as R-410A, R-404A, R-134A, and R-407C, which have been commonly used in the past decade. As of January 1, 2024, new chillers can no longer be produced using these refrigerants. The EPA also proposed in December 2022 that these refrigerants be banned in most new refrigeration and air conditioning applications by 2025.

It is important to be aware of the flammability of the new and replacement refrigerants. Many of our new refrigerants will fall under the classification of A2L and A3. 

But what does that mean?