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• Starting January 1, 2026, all new commercial HVAC equipment must use low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32, replacing higher-GWP options such as R-410A.
• The AIM Act lowers leak inspection and record-keeping thresholds to systems with 15 pounds or more of high-GWP refrigerants and enforces strict manufacturing and import bans on non-compliant equipment.
• New refrigerants present safety and handling challenges due to their mildly flammable nature, often requiring full system replacements, while phasedown efforts will reduce supply and increase costs through 2036.
• These federal rules overlap with state and local regulations, adding reporting and compliance requirements for affected businesses and projects.

Starting January 1, 2026, new commercial HVAC systems must use low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-454B and R-32. This change comes from the AIM Act, a new EPA rule aimed at reducing harmful gases. HVAC professionals, including contractors, manufacturers, and facility managers, will need to stop using older high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A in new equipment. The rule also expands leak inspection and repair requirements for systems with 15 or more pounds of certain refrigerants. These deadlines and rules will affect how HVAC work is done across the country.

Preparing for the AIM Act: What You Can Do Now

If you work in HVAC, start getting ready today for the AIM Act rules that kick in January 2026. First, learn about the new low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. These have different pressure levels and mild flammability, meaning you’ll need extra safety training and updated tools. Check your inventory and plan to phase out high-GWP refrigerants such as R-410A—they won’t be allowed in new equipment soon. Talk to your equipment suppliers about models that use the new refrigerants to avoid surprises. Update your maintenance plans to include more frequent leak inspections and keep detailed repair records for systems with 15 pounds or more of refrigerant. If you handle VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) projects permitted before October 5, 2023, note the extended installation deadlines. Finally, stay informed about local rules that may overlap with the AIM Act, like California’s greenhouse gas reporting. Taking these steps now will save time, reduce costs, and keep your work compliant.

Market Impact: Inventory, Pricing, and Supply Chain

The AIM Act is shaking up the HVAC market, especially in how businesses manage inventory and pricing. Because the new low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 are becoming mandatory, manufacturers are shifting away from older refrigerants such as R-410A. This change is causing supply chain challenges. Stocks of old refrigerants are shrinking, and replacement parts for those systems are becoming less common. That makes it harder and often more expensive for contractors and distributors to keep inventory that supports older units.

At the same time, new refrigerants are more costly to produce, and their supplies are tighter. This price increase is passed down to customers, raising installation and maintenance costs. Manufacturers are also adjusting production lines to handle these new refrigerants, which can cause delays and fewer available units initially. Some companies are investing heavily in new technologies, while others consolidate or shift focus.

For distributors and contractors, this means carefully managing stock levels, planning purchases ahead, and preparing for fluctuating prices. Staying aware of manufacturer updates and market trends can help avoid shortages and unexpected costs during this transition.

Tools, Training, and Day-to-Day Changes for HVAC Technicians

Starting January 1, 2026, HVAC technicians will need to work with new refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. These refrigerants are different because they are mildly flammable (called A2L refrigerants) and work at different pressures than older types like R-410A. This means technicians must use specialized tools that can safely handle these new gases, such as leak detectors designed for flammable refrigerants and proper recovery machines.

Technicians must also get updated training and certifications. This training covers safe handling of A2L refrigerants, new installation guidelines, and repair procedures. Without this, technicians can’t legally work on these systems.

On the job, technicians will find that repairing or recharging old systems often isn’t possible. They may need to replace entire HVAC systems instead. Plus, the new rules require routine leak inspections on smaller systems than before, so keeping detailed records becomes more important.

Overall, HVAC pros have to invest time in learning and have the right gear ready to stay safe and compliant with the new EPA rules.

Regulations and Compliance Deadlines under the AIM Act

Starting January 1, 2026, the AIM Act requires all new commercial HVAC equipment to use low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. This means manufacturers can no longer produce or import new systems that use older refrigerants such as R-410A. Systems made before this date can still be installed until January 1, 2027. For construction projects permitted before October 5, 2023, involving variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, installation can continue until January 1, 2028. The Act also expands leak inspection and repair rules to cover systems with 15 or more pounds of high-GWP refrigerants, lowering the previous 50-pound threshold. These systems must follow leak inspections, repairs, and keep records for three years. Because new refrigerants are mildly flammable (called A2L), they require special handling and often new equipment instead of just topping off old systems. The AIM Act also works alongside state and local rules, like California’s greenhouse gas reporting and New York City’s building laws, which add extra compliance steps for certain businesses.

Key Takeaways

• Starting January 1, 2026, all new commercial HVAC systems must use low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32, replacing high-GWP options such as R-410A under the AIM Act.
• The AIM Act lowers the refrigerant leak inspection and record-keeping threshold to systems with 15 pounds or more of HFC refrigerants, expanding compliance requirements for HVAC professionals.
• HVAC contractors face challenges from new A2L refrigerants, which are mildly flammable and may require full system replacements due to different pressures and handling rules.
• The AIM Act’s federal rules work alongside state and local regulations, such as California’s greenhouse gas reporting and NYC’s Local Law 97, creating layered compliance obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When must HVAC professionals stop using high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A in new commercial equipment?

Starting January 1, 2026, all new commercial HVAC equipment must use low-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. After this date, manufacturers cannot produce or import new systems with high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A.

Can existing high-GWP equipment still be installed after 2026?

Yes, equipment made before January 1, 2026, can be installed until January 1, 2027. For certain VRF projects permitted before October 5, 2023, that installation deadline extends to January 1, 2028.

What are the special considerations for handling A2L refrigerants like R-454B?

A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable and have different pressure levels than older refrigerants. This means technicians need extra training and safety steps, and often full system replacements are required instead of just refilling or repairing.

How does the AIM Act affect leak inspections and record-keeping?

The AIM Act lowers the leak inspection and repair requirements to systems with 15 pounds or more of certain refrigerants, down from the previous 50 pounds. This means contractors must perform regular checks and keep repair records for more systems than before.

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