In compliance with the 2020 American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act, Durastar products will begin transitioning to A2L refrigerants in 2024. Continue reading for more information about the transition and how it will impact Durastar products.
What is the AIM Act
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are potent greenhouse gases that can be significantly more damaging than carbon dioxide. HFCs are used in many applications, including air conditioning. The AIM Act grants the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to regulate HFCs and seeks to reduce these substances through three primary ways:
Phase down production and consumption – Reduce 85% of annual HFC production and consumption by 2036
Regulate HFCs and substitutes – EPA can establish requirements for managing HFCs and their substitutes in equipment, such as air conditioners, heat pumps, etc.
Transition to next-generation technologies – New technologies will accommodate limits placed on the use of HFCs in sectors such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, foams, and aerosols with an intention of meeting climate protection goals.
Why A2L
The AIM Act’s transition to next-generation technologies aims to shift certain sectors and subsectors to using HFC substitutes with a lower global warming potential (GWP). This transition includes replacing traditional refrigerants used in the HVAC industry with A2L refrigerants, which offer lower GWP values and other environmental benefits.
Important Updates
On January 1st, 2025, Products containing the high-GWP HFCs will officially be prohibited to manufacture, distribute, sell, install, import or export.
New HVAC systems that are installed will no longer be able to use the restricted HFCs, but VRF systems do not need to comply until January 1st, 2026.
In preparation for this deadline, Durastar equipment will begin transitioning in 2024. Please reference the timeline below for more details.