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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.

What this means for you

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?

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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

Tied to people

No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.