Starting January 1, 2025, the HVAC industry began a major shift with the introduction of A2L refrigerants for new residential air conditioners and heat pumps. Mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this change represents a vital step toward more sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions. At Unilog, we recognize the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Our comprehensive program is designed to help distributors navigate this transition with ease, ensuring that your business—and your customers—are prepared for the future of HVAC.
What Are A2L Refrigerants?
A2L refrigerants fall under an ASHRAE safety classification indicating “mildly flammable and low toxicity.” They typically include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends, offering a low global warming potential (GWP) compared to older refrigerants like R-410A, which have a much higher GWP. Because of their safer profile over other flammable refrigerants (e.g., ammonia, hydrocarbons) and reduced environmental impact, A2Ls are widely viewed as the next major step in HVAC technology.
The Transition Timeline
- New Equipment: As of January 1, 2025, all newly manufactured residential ACs and heat pumps must use A2L refrigerants. Any pre-2025 equipment must be installed by January 1, 2026.
- Refrigeration Equipment: High-GWP HFCs such as R-134a, R-404A, and R-410A will be prohibited in most new refrigeration equipment starting January 1, 2025.
- Technician Training: HVAC technicians require specialized training to handle mildly flammable A2Ls safely.
- Safety Standards: UL 60335-2-40 spells out new requirements, including refrigerant leak detection, to ensure safe use.
- Building Codes: Codes like the International Mechanical Code (IMC) have been updated with A2L-specific guidelines (charge limits, ventilation, leak detection).
How Unilog Helps You Navigate the A2L Transition
- Thousands of New A2L SKUs Added—and Counting
We’ve already added thousands of new A2L SKUs to our CX1 Content Subscription program, and we’ll continue to expand our listings throughout 2025 as more products hit the market. This proactive approach ensures you always have access to the latest A2L-compatible products for your customers.
- Ongoing Manufacturer Collaboration
Our established network of HVAC manufacturers is key to ensuring you have accurate, up-to-date product data. We’ve proactively reached out to these manufacturers to assist with content enrichment and syndication—so you can trust that the information you receive is both comprehensive and reliable.
- CX1 Custom Content Services
Need individualized product enrichment help? Our CX1 Content Services are available for any manufacturer or distributor who needs to fill in data gaps, optimize product descriptions, or create new SKUs. We customize our services to meet your unique requirements, helping you stay on top of the A2L Transition.
- A Proactive, Full-Service Content Solution
At Unilog, we know many distributors feel like they’re playing catch-up as the 2025 deadline approaches. That’s why our CX1 Content Subscription is so beneficial—it delivers constantly updated data so you don’t fall behind. From enriched product descriptions to compliance information, we handle the details so you can focus on serving your customers.
A2L refrigerants mark a pivotal turning point in the HVAC industry, promising substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in energy efficiency. These benefits come with necessary investments product SKU data management. Unilog’s comprehensive product content management services takes the guesswork out of the process, helping you and your customers make a seamless transition.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Business?
Schedule a free consultation with Unilog today to learn more about our A2L transition program and how we can help you stay ahead in the evolving HVAC market.