EPA adjusts hydrofluorocarbon phaseout rules for air conditioning and refrigeration equipment
Official: Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
Reading: The rule relaxes the original HFC phasedown schedule by allowing pre-2025 equipment inventory to continue being installed, extending the timeline for full compliance with stricter restrictions.
This affects manufacturers and installers of refrigeration and air conditioning systems across many industries.
In clear language
The EPA is revising its rules for phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are chemicals used in air conditioning and refrigeration that harm the ozone layer. The changes address requests from industry and allow equipment made or imported before January 1, 2025, to continue being installed, while still restricting new HFC use going forward. This affects manufacturers and installers of refrigeration and air conditioning systems across many industries.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Manufacturers and importers of air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration equipment
- HVAC technicians and contractors who install and service cooling systems
- Food retailers and supermarkets that use refrigeration systems
- Companies using industrial refrigeration for semiconductor manufacturing and food storage
- Homeowners and businesses purchasing new air conditioning or heat pump units
What can you do?
- If replacing residential or light commercial AC/heat pump equipment, confirm with your contractor whether the unit uses older HFC refrigerants; newer units use more environmentally friendly alternatives
- When servicing air conditioning or refrigeration systems, work with certified EPA-licensed technicians who understand current HFC restrictions
- For businesses operating cold storage or industrial refrigeration, review current equipment inventory to understand compliance timelines for any HFC-containing systems
Timeline
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- 2026-07-27: Rule becomes effective
- 2025-01-01: Cutoff date for equipment manufactured or imported before this date; equipment from before this date can still be installed
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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