The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has recently released a new interactive map of the United States that shows the state and local building codes and legislation related to the use of A2L refrigerants. A2L refrigerants are low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants that have a mild flammability rating and are expected to replace high-GWP refrigerants such as R-410A and R-134a in the near future.
What are A2L refrigerants and why are they important?
A2L refrigerants are a class of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants that have a lower GWP than the current hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. GWP is a measure of how much a substance contributes to global warming over a 100-year period compared to carbon dioxide. For example, R-410A has a GWP of 2088, while R-32, an A2L refrigerant, has a GWP of 6751. A lower GWP means less impact on the environment and climate change.
A2L refrigerants also have a mild flammability rating, which means they can ignite under certain conditions, but they have a low burning velocity and heat of combustion. This makes them safer than highly flammable refrigerants such as propane or ammonia. However, A2L refrigerants still pose some challenges for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of HVACR equipment and systems, as they require special safety measures and precautions to prevent fire hazards and accidents.
What is the A2L refrigerant building code map and how to use it?
The A2L refrigerant building code map is a tool that provides information about the regulatory environment for A2L refrigerants in each state and territory of the U.S. The map indicates where state and local building codes have been updated or legislation passed to allow equipment using A2L refrigerants. It also provides links to the relevant codes, standards, and laws for further reference. The map will be revised as building codes and legislation are updated.
The map can be accessed through AHRI’s website or by clicking here. The user can select a state from the dropdown menu or click on the map to see the information for that state. The map uses different colors to indicate the status of the codes and legislation for A2L refrigerants in each state:
- Green: The state has adopted the 2021 editions of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the International Fire Code (IFC), which include provisions for A2L refrigerants, or has passed legislation to allow A2L refrigerants.
- Yellow: The state has adopted the 2018 editions of the IMC and the IFC, which have some provisions for A2L refrigerants, or has passed legislation to allow A2L refrigerants with some restrictions or conditions.
- Red: The state has not adopted the 2018 or 2021 editions of the IMC and the IFC, or has not passed legislation to allow A2L refrigerants, or has banned A2L refrigerants.
- Gray: The state has no statewide building code or has not provided information on its codes or legislation for A2L refrigerants.
The following table summarizes the status of the codes and legislation for A2L refrigerants in each state as of February 2024:
| State | Code Status | Legislation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Red | Red |
| Alaska | Gray | Gray |
| Arizona | Red | Red |
| Arkansas | Yellow | Yellow |
| California | Green | Green |
| Colorado | Yellow | Yellow |
| Connecticut | Yellow | Yellow |
| Delaware | Yellow | Yellow |
| Florida | Red | Red |
| Georgia | Red | Red |
| Hawaii | Red | Red |
| Idaho | Red | Red |
| Illinois | Yellow | Yellow |
| Indiana | Red | Red |
| Iowa | Yellow | Yellow |
| Kansas | Red | Red |
| Kentucky | Yellow | Yellow |
| Louisiana | Red | Red |
| Maine | Green | Green |
| Maryland | Yellow | Yellow |
| Massachusetts | Green | Green |
| Michigan | Green | Green |
| Minnesota | Yellow | Yellow |
| Mississippi | Red | Red |
| Missouri | Red | Red |
| Montana | Red | Red |
| Nebraska | Red | Red |
| Nevada | Green | Green |
| New Hampshire | Yellow | Yellow |
| New Jersey | Yellow | Yellow |
| New Mexico | Green | Green |
| New York | Yellow | Yellow |
| North Carolina | Red | Red |
| North Dakota | Red | Red |
| Ohio | Yellow | Yellow |
| Oklahoma | Red | Red |
| Oregon | Green | Green |
| Pennsylvania | Yellow | Yellow |
| Rhode Island | Yellow | Yellow |
| South Carolina | Red | Red |
| South Dakota | Red | Red |
| Tennessee | Red | Red |
| Texas | Red | Red |
| Utah | Green | Green |
| Vermont | Green | Green |
| Virginia | Yellow | Yellow |
| Washington | Green | Green |
| West Virginia | Red | Red |
| Wisconsin | Green | Green |
| Wyoming | Yellow | Yellow |
Why is the A2L refrigerant building code map useful?
The A2L refrigerant building code map is a useful resource for various stakeholders involved in the HVACR industry, such as manufacturers, contractors, distributors, technicians, fire and safety professionals, code officials, and lawmakers. The map can help them to:
- Stay informed of the current and future regulatory requirements for A2L refrigerants in different states and regions.
- Plan ahead for the transition to A2L refrigerants and prepare for the changes in the codes and standards.
- Identify the opportunities and challenges for the adoption of A2L refrigerants and address them accordingly.
- Access the relevant codes, standards, and laws for A2L refrigerants and learn more about the technical and safety aspects of A2L refrigerants.
- Advocate for the harmonization and modernization of the codes and legislation for A2L refrigerants across the U.S.
What are the next steps for the A2L refrigerant transition?
The transition to A2L refrigerants is a complex and ongoing process that involves multiple factors and stakeholders. Some of the next steps for the A2L refrigerant transition are:
- Updating the federal regulations and standards for A2L refrigerants, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.
- Developing and implementing the training and certification programs for A2L refrigerants, such as the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification, the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) training, and the AHRI Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force training resources.
- Increasing the awareness and education of the HVACR industry and the public about the benefits and challenges of A2L refrigerants, such as the AHRI A2L video series, the International Code Council (ICC) A2L webinars, and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) A2L resources.
- Innovating and introducing new products and technologies that use A2L refrigerants, such as the AHRI Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program (AREP), the AHRI Flammable Refrigerants Research Program (FRRP), and the AHRI A2L Refrigerant Research Initiative (ARRI).
