What is Low GWP?

 As many refrigerants are strong greenhouse gases, the use of the refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) is seen as a way to minimize the effect of the refrigeration systems on the global warming.

New U.S. Regulatory Requirements

Within our industry, carbon emissions from hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants and their potential contribution to climate change continue to be important considerations. To protect our climate and reduce emissions of HFCs, the American Innovation &Manufacturing (AIM) Act directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a phasedown of the production and consumption of HFCs.

As part of this work, beginning January 1, 2025, the U.S. Federal Government will require Residential HVAC equipment to use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 700.

American Standard is committed to leading our industry incompliance and is prepared to support our partners every step of the way. To support the regulations, American Standard and Ameristar will refresh equipment portfolios with new low GWP refrigerant with rollout beginning in 2024.

  On December 21, 2023 the EPA released a technical correction to the published AIM Act Technology Transition Rule following the Good Cause rulemaking process.

With this correction, the EPA has extended the allowable installation date to January 1, 2026, for all R-410A ducted and ductless split systems built or imported prior to January 1, 2025 – effectively allowing 12 months of sell through. There are no other corrections to the rule at this point in time.

The EPA is allowing a 45-day comment period after publication and is not planning to withdraw the interim final rule even if it receives adverse comment. Comments will be addressed in a subsequent final rule.

More on the Technology Transition Rule:

• Resources from the EPA can be found here, including a Final Rule Fact Sheet. 

• Check out the FAQ List released by the EPA, which includes frequent questions from Distributors, Dealers, and Homeowner perspectives.