A2L & A3 Refrigerant Classes Move The Industry Forward
In late 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented legislation mandating an 85 percent nationwide phasedown in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants by 2036. Regulating bodies worldwide are imposing more stringent standards to decrease the impact of HFC refrigerants, with California becoming the first state in the country to announce plans to ban the sale of some HFC refrigerants. In March 2022, the California State Senate passed SB-1206, banning the sale of R-410A starting on January 1, 2030. It also bans the sale of other refrigerants like R-404A and R-507 starting in 2025.
The HFCs are being replaced with more energy efficient, environmentally friendlier options, known as Low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants. The legacy refrigerants that were once commonplace are now being phased out as businesses seek to achieve a lower carbon footprint and the HVACR industry moves forward and innovates toward A2L refrigerants. This A2L subgroup, as categorized by ASHRAE Standard 34, is a class of refrigerants with lower toxicity and flammability compared to other classifications. They are also rated at a significantly lower GWP than A1-class HFCs.
The District 1 JATC training program has been training and certifying apprentices in the use and handling of the new refrigerant group since early 2023. As of March 2024, contractors can enroll their sheet metal union employees in additional classes to obtain the Low GWP or A2L certification. Classes are a single 8-hour day followed by a certification exam. It’s important to note that new Low GWP or A2L refrigerants are NOT covered with the EPA 608 refrigerant certification.
For more information on the A2L programs or to schedule a class for a group of service journeypersons or technicians, contact the training coordinator at your local JATC.