EPA Proposes Ban on High-GWP Refrigerants: What It Means for Cooling, Climate, and the HVAC Industry

The EPA is moving to ban high-GWP refrigerants, reshaping HVAC norms and advancing climate action in the United States.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

The EPA is moving to ban high-GWP refrigerants, reshaping HVAC norms and advancing climate action in the United States.

EPA Proposes Ban of High-GWP Refrigerants: A Turning Point for Climate and Cooling

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is advancing one of its most ambitious plans to combat climate change: the proposed ban on high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants across several industries including air conditioning, refrigeration, foam blowing agents, and aerosols. These chemicals, crucial to many modern cooling technologies, are among the most potent greenhouse gases and have long contributed to global temperature rise. This landmark shift, under the authority of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, will direct the HVAC industry and associated markets toward lower-impact alternatives while laying the groundwork for dramatically reduced emissions in the decades ahead.

What Are High-GWP Refrigerants—and Why Phase Them Out?

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a family of synthetic chemicals widely used as refrigerants in air conditioners, heat pumps, supermarket freezers, foam products, and even medical aerosols. While effective, these compounds were developed to be non-ozone depleting replacements for earlier refrigerants. Unfortunately, their molecular design also means they can trap hundreds to thousands of times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide per unit weight—making them some of the planet’s most potent greenhouse gases.

High GWP Example: R-410A, a common air conditioning refrigerant, has a GWP of about 2,088—over 2,000 times stronger than carbon dioxide in climate impact.
HFC Usage Areas: Residential/commercial HVAC, refrigeration, foam insulation, aerosols, fire suppression.

Phasing out HFCs is both a practical step to slow global warming and an opportunity to modernize equipment with more efficient, climate-friendly technologies.

Regulatory Background: The AIM Act and Kigali Amendment

The drive behind this proposed ban is rooted in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020. The Act mandates an 85% reduction in the production and consumption of HFCs by 2036, mirroring the global phasedown agreed upon in the 2016 Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol—a landmark treaty for tackling super-pollutant refrigerants. The EPA’s rules align the United States with international efforts, as nearly 130 countries adopt similar restrictions.

AIM Act Goals: Gradually reduce HFCs by 85% over 15 years (2022–2036).
Kigali Amendment: Parties agreed to minimize HFC production/use due to their climate risks.

The U.S. officially joined the Kigali Amendment in 2022, bringing additional momentum to domestic climate policy.

The Proposed Rule: What’s Changing and When?

The EPA’s proposal targets HFCs with the highest GWPs in several key sectors. The new rule would:

Ban manufacturing and import of products containing restricted HFCs—such as R-410A and R-134a—by January 1, 2025 in most categories.
Prohibit sale, distribution, and export of those products a year later—by January 1, 2026.
Affect air conditioning, refrigeration, foams, aerosols, and heat pumps. Any system with a GWP over 750 (in air conditioning) is included; R-410A (GWP ~2088) is among those being phased out.

Certain categories, such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, could benefit from an additional one-year grace period for installation—pending final rulemaking and regulatory amendments—but overall, the ban is set for rapid implementation to maximize climate benefits.

Sector	HFCs Phased Out	Effective Dates (Proposed)
Air Conditioning (New Equipment)	R-410A, R-134a, others (GWP > 750)	Manufacture/import: Jan 1, 2025; Sale/export: Jan 1, 2026
Refrigeration (Commercial/Supermarkets)	High-GWP HFC blends and single components	Manufacture/import: Jan 1, 2025; Sale/export: Jan 1, 2026
Aerosols, Foam Blowing Agents	Various HFCs (sector-specific limits)	Manufacture/import: Jan 1, 2025; Sale/export: Jan 1, 2026

Why Target HVAC and Air Conditioning?

The HVAC sector represents one of the largest sources of HFC emissions. The use of refrigerants in cooling systems—found in homes, businesses, vehicles, and supermarkets—accounts for a significant share of the U.S.’s HFC consumption. Transitioning these products to lower-GWP alternatives is essential for meeting climate goals.

Residential impact: R-410A, the dominant refrigerant in home air conditioning, will be replaced in new equipment by newer, lower-GWP alternatives.
Commercial impact: Supermarket refrigeration and building chillers will also be required to adopt low-GWP refrigerants.

By setting a clear, near-term date, the EPA’s proposal provides certainty for manufacturers and signals to the global market the U.S.’s commitment to next-generation cooling solutions.

What Are the Alternatives to High-GWP Refrigerants?

As high-GWP refrigerants are phased out, manufacturers and technicians are turning to a new generation of refrigerants, often known as A2L refrigerants. These alternatives have dramatically lower climate impacts, but many are classified as mildly flammable, requiring new safety standards and installation practices.

R-32 and R-454B: Leading low-GWP alternatives for new residential and commercial HVAC systems.
Characteristics: Reduced GWP (typically below 750); energy efficiency improvements; mildly flammable (A2L classification).
Other HFOs and natural refrigerants: Some sectors may transition further to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) or natural options like CO₂ and propane where feasible.

Industry and regulators are cooperating to update safety codes, train technicians, and ensure consumer protection during the transition to these advanced refrigerants.

Will This Affect Existing HVAC and Cooling Equipment?

The proposed ban is aimed at newly manufactured or imported products and equipment. Existing systems that use high-GWP refrigerants—such as an R-410A-equipped air conditioner purchased in 2023—are not directly affected. Homeowners and businesses can continue to use and service their current systems. However, supplies of high-GWP refrigerants will diminish as production slows, and long-term repair costs may rise.

Technicians will still be able to source high-GWP refrigerants for servicing legacy equipment, at least for the near future.
New HVAC units sold from 2025 onward must use low-GWP alternatives.

This gradual approach is designed to minimize disruption and avoid forcing early replacement, while still driving a decisive shift in new product design.

Impacts, Benefits, and Industry Response

Switching to low-GWP refrigerants is expected to provide:

Climate benefits: The EPA estimates that U.S. action on HFCs—in line with the global Kigali Amendment—could avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
Energy efficiency: Many low-GWP refrigerants can improve system energy performance, potentially lowering utility bills for consumers.
Public health: By mitigating extreme heat and atmospheric warming, the rule indirectly improves air quality and health.
Industry innovation: U.S. manufacturers are leading in the design of next-generation HVAC solutions, creating jobs and export opportunities.

Industry groups have signaled broad support for the consistent national standard but emphasized the need for:

Updated safety codes and technician training for A2L refrigerants
Clear guidance on permitted uses, exceptions, and timelines
Support for smooth market transition, especially in smaller and rural HVAC markets

Challenges and Remaining Questions

Building codes and standards: Adapting to mildly flammable A2L refrigerants requires local building codes to be updated promptly to avoid installation delays.
Technician readiness: Adequate training and certification on safe A2L handling is essential to minimize safety risks.
Global alignment: There is ongoing work to harmonize restrictions and refrigerant classifications across countries, ensuring U.S. actions drive worldwide impact.
Consumer education: Homeowners and businesses need clear, accurate information on what the changes mean for existing and future equipment.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Consumers and Business

If you’re buying a new HVAC system after 2025: Expect to see equipment using low-GWP, mildly flammable refrigerants such as R-32 or R-454B. These systems are likely to be more efficient and climate-friendly.
If you have an existing system with R-410A or similar refrigerant: You can continue using and servicing it. Refrigerant may become more expensive, and replacing the system with a newer model will eventually be necessary as parts and refrigerant supplies dwindle.
If you’re in the HVAC or construction industry: Prepare now by updating technician training, reviewing compliance with evolving safety codes, and working with suppliers for qualified alternative refrigerants.
If you’re a policymaker or sustainability advocate: The EPA’s action sets the stage for further advances in building efficiency and climate policy, and provides a template for effective environmental regulation with broad public health and economic benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which refrigerants are being banned and when does the ban take effect?

A: The EPA proposal phases out high-GWP HFCs like R-410A and R-134a in new equipment starting January 1, 2025 for manufacture/import, and bans sales/exports of those products by January 1, 2026.

Q: Will my current air conditioner be illegal to own or service?

A: No. The ban applies only to new products. Owners of existing systems can continue to operate and service their units, but over time, high-GWP refrigerant supplies and parts will decline.

Q: Are there safety concerns with the new alternative refrigerants?

A: Most new alternatives (A2L class) are mildly flammable. Safety codes and installation best practices are being updated to address these properties; technicians are being trained accordingly.

Q: How will this affect HVAC prices or consumer costs?

A: There may be short-term impacts as industry shifts to new refrigerants and safety training, but in the long run, more efficient systems may lower energy bills. Legacy refrigerants may become more costly as they are phased down.

Q: What are the climate benefits of this rule?

A: Full implementation of HFC phaseout is projected to avoid up to 0.5°C of additional global warming by 2100, helping the U.S. meet national and international climate targets.

Resources for More Information

EPA AIM Act Information: Official details, timelines, and lists of affected sectors and refrigerants.
HVAC industry guidelines: For technicians and contractors on safe refrigerant handling and next-generation system installation.
Consumer advisories: Updates on product availability, rebate programs, and climate policy advances as the EPA’s proposal moves toward final adoption.

Together, these changes mark a dramatic shift toward a lower-carbon, more sustainable cooling sector in the U.S.—pushing technology, regulation, and public awareness into a new era for environmental responsibility.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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