A2L Becomes the Standard: Sales of New Air-Conditioning Equipment Reach Nearly 100% in the U.S.

The U.S. air-conditioning market has reached a historic milestone: nearly 100% of newly sold equipment now uses A2L refrigerants, such as R32 and R454B. This shift consolidates one of the most significant technological transitions in the HVAC sector in recent decades.

The large-scale adoption of A2L refrigerants is a direct result of environmental regulatory requirements, combined with the market’s technical maturity and the rapid adaptation of manufacturers, designers, and installers.

What are A2L refrigerants?

Refrigerants classified as A2L have low Global Warming Potential (GWP), better energy performance, and mild flammability, which is controlled through technical standards and proper system design. They have emerged as natural replacements for traditional HFCs, aligning operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.

Why did the U.S. reach nearly 100%?

The near-total transition of the U.S. market occurred due to three main factors:

• The near-total transition of the U.S. market occurred due to three main factors:

• Clear regulations and defined timelines for the reduction of high-GWP HFCs

• A well-trained technical market, supported by safety standards, training programs, and best installation practices

Today, the use of A2L refrigerants is treated as a standard, no longer a trend.

Impacts on the HVAC sector

The consolidation of A2L refrigerants brings direct impacts across the entire HVAC ecosystem:

• The consolidation of A2L refrigerants brings direct impacts across the entire HVAC ecosystem:

• Higher energy efficiency in residential and commercial applications

• New requirements for design, installation, and maintenance

• Evolution of technical standards and professional qualification

What does this signal for Brazil?

The U.S. scenario indicates that the transition to A2L in Brazil is inevitable. Companies that move ahead with technical training, standards updates, and project adaptation will gain a competitive advantage. New projects and retrofits will need to consider low-GWP refrigerants from the design phase onward.