A2L HVAC Equipment Reaches 91% of Distributor Sales, HARDI Reports
Key Highlights
- 91% of HVAC distributor sales in September 2025 involved low-GWP A2L refrigerants, marking a near-complete industry transition.
- The shift accelerated throughout 2025, with HARDI emphasizing the importance of regulatory support to prevent waste and financial loss.
- Industry leaders advocate for EPA rule changes to allow continued sale of R-410A systems, citing environmental and economic benefits.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International reported that low-GWP A2L equipment accounted for 91% of distributor sales in September 2025, marking an almost complete transition in central ducted systems. According to HARDI’s Unitary Market Intelligence Report, the shift accelerated throughout the year after single-digit adoption at the end of 2024.
HARDI CEO Talbot Gee said distributors and contractors have moved quickly to adopt the new refrigerants. He noted that the association is now focused on protecting distributors from installation-date deadlines included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Technology Transition Rule.
Although A2L equipment has become the dominant choice, many distributors still hold limited inventories of R-410A systems. Under current EPA rules, certain residential and light commercial equipment manufactured and purchased legally may not be installed after specific deadlines. HARDI says these provisions put compliant inventory at risk of financial loss and unnecessary waste.
The association has expressed support for the EPA’s proposal to repeal the installation prohibition and allow distributors to sell through their remaining R-410A stock. Alex Ayers, HARDI Vice President of Government Affairs, said the transition’s near completion removes the environmental justification for restricting installations of existing equipment.
HARDI also encouraged the EPA to review similar installation and sell-through provisions for other HVACR product categories to ensure consistent regulation across the industry. The organization said predictable and uniform rules would support distributors, contractors, and consumers during ongoing refrigerant policy changes.
HARDI continues to provide market data through its Unitary Market Intelligence Report to help the HVACR supply chain track performance and adjust to evolving refrigerant requirements. Distributors can contact HARDI’s Market Intelligence Team to participate in the program.