The Changing Refrigerant Landscape: Are You Ready?
By 2026, all new remote installs must use low GWP refrigerants (GWP < 300).
Today’s refrigerant landscape is evolving rapidly. The need to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are present in many common refrigerants, has led to significant regulatory measures, such as the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act).
What is the AIM Act?
- Enacted by the EPA in December 2020
- Phases down high-GWP refrigerants
- Targets 85% reduction in HFCs by 2036
- By 2026, new remote systems must use low-GWP refrigerants (<300 GWP)
Learn more: What is the AIM Act?
What This Means for Your Projects
- Specifications written today must be compliant if installed on or after 1/1/2026
- Quoting legacy refrigerants (R-404A, R-407A, R-449A) risks change orders and delays
- Use compliant refrigerants like R-454A, R-454C, or CO2
What’s at Risk if You’re Not Prepared
- Delays: Legacy refrigerant systems can’t be installed beginning 1/1/2026
- Higher costs: Non-compliant quotes may require rework and repricing
- Regulatory issues: Outdated specs risk rejection
How RSG Helps You Stay Ahead
- Compliance-ready A2L systems now available
- Proactively quoting for 2026 installs
- Full technical and consultant support
What are A2L Refrigerants?
A2L refrigerants provide a popular pathway to compliance with AIM Act regulations. A2L is a classification of refrigerants defined by ASHRAE, which categorizes refrigerants based on their toxicity and flammability.
Here’s a breakdown of what “A2L” means:
- A = Lower Toxicity: This indicates that the refrigerant has low toxicity, meaning it’s generally safe for human exposure in typical conditions.
- 2L = Lower Flammability (Mildly Flammable): This is the key characteristic of A2L refrigerants. While they are technically flammable, they have a “low burning velocity.” This means they are difficult to ignite and, if ignited, they burn slowly and are likely to self-extinguish.
Learn more: Refrigerants & Compliance: Understanding the Choices in a Changing Landscape
Request A QuoteHow Has RSG Responded to the AIM Act?
As the category leader in refrigeration solutions, we know there is no longer a single refrigerant for all applications, and we aren’t trying to force-fit one solution. Our strategy is to use the right tool for the job.
Leading the industry with R290 for self-contained
- Ahead of phase 1, RSG fully adopted R290 with a patented solution
- R290 is significantly more cost-effective for end users than R449 in self-contained applications
Remote system excellence with A2Ls
- RSG has worked diligently on remote solutions utilizing A2L refrigerants
- Units have been successfully field tested
CO2 solutions will be available for required applications
- Very large systems may require CO2
- CO2 provides outstanding performance, but can be expensive and cumbersome to execute
The Refrigeration Regulation Roadmap
The timeline below shows RSG’s proactive steps to surpass EPA dates, ensuring we have the ideal cold storage solution—ready today and built for tomorrow.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Current offerings from all manufacturers do NOT meet 2026 requirements, and some may not be ready.
RSG, however, is ready with solutions to meet your requirements.
We’re ready to help you understand and comply with evolving regulations, providing comprehensive support and innovative solutions for your business.
FAQs on A2Ls
A2L refrigerants like R-454A and R-454C offer low toxicity, low flammability, and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) making them an ideal, safe, and compliant solution.
Yes. Norlake is leading the A2L transition and has already started quoting compliant A2L systems for 2026+ installs. Some units have begun shipping. Ship dates will be included on quotes.
Compliance with A2Ls requires more components than were found in previous systems, which increases the cost. Norlake’s best-in-class standard A2L offering includes:
- Leak mitigation and isolation valves mandated for safety and compliance
- Updated compressors, coils, and systems to meet new efficiency standards and optimize performance
- Advanced LogiTemp controls with demand defrost and diagnostics, which now come standard
No. Norlake’s self-contained systems use R-290, which is classified as an A3 refrigerant. R-290 features an ultra-low GWP (~3), excellent energy efficiency, and long-term compliance with environmental regulations.
There are no updates to the design of our self-contained systems. Units will continue to be factory-charged with R-290.
Yes, however, an indoor model is in development and should be available soon.
Some additional components, such as a safety shut-off valve for the liquid line and safety check valve for the suction line, are required to meet safety standards. They will be supplied with every evaporator to be installed outside of the walk-in.
Remote systems will continue to ship pre-assembled except for the solenoid and check valve, which will have to be installed in the field outside of the refrigerated space but adjacent to the refrigerated space wall.
As always, an authorized, EPA-certified technician is required for installation.
Yes. Norlake’s authorized service network is actively sourcing and trained to handle A2L refrigerants.
We do not anticipate any supply chain delays or cause for concern. Norlake has proactively prepared inventory and sourcing strategies to ensure continued availability. However, continuing to quote systems with legacy refrigerants like R-449A could result in delayed installation and change orders.
Yes. Norlake will continue supporting replacements in line with EPA guidelines. Equipment can be repaired if less than 100% of the condenser or less than 75% of the evaporator is replaced. If a replacement falls outside these limits, we’ll help transition customers into a compliant new system.
Spec sheets and manuals are available now.
UL NCKL is a UL Solutions listing for equipment, certifying it as “ignition proof” for use in various locations. It’s an additional safety standard that exceeds current requirements, and means the system has been designed and tested to prevent the ignition of hazardous gases while in use.