The HVAC industry is in the midst of moving toward lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants called A2L’s. Some examples of these new refrigerants are R-454B, R-32, and R-1234yf. These new refrigerants have a significantly lower GWP compared to refrigerants such as R-410A, R-404A and R-134a. These new A2L refrigerants are better for the environment and have no impact on the ozone layer playing a critical part in the industry’s shift toward climate-conscious practices.
GWP Above 700
| Refrigerant | GWP | Classification | SNAP Approved Use | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-134a | 1430 | A1 Nonflammable | Refrigeration | R-12 |
| R-407A | 2107 | A1 Nonflammable | Refrigeration | R-22 |
| R-407C | 1744 | A1 Nonflammable | Refrigeration | R-22 |
| R-448A | 1387 | A1 Nonflammable | Refrigeration | R-404A, R-507 |
| R-449A | 1397 | A1 Nonflammable | Refrigeration | R-404A, R-507, R-22 |
GWP Below 700
| Refrigerant | GWP | Classification | SNAP Approved Use | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-32 | 675 | A2L Mildly Flammable | Air Conditioning | R-410A |
| R-454B | 466 | A2L Mildly Flammable | Air Conditioning | R-410A |
| R-466A* | 733 | A1 Nonflammable | *Not yet SNAP approved | R-410A |
| R-513A | 573 | A1 Nonflammable | Industrial refrigeration, Chillers, Air conditioning Systems, Heat Pumps | R-134a |
GWP Below 150
| Refrigerant | GWP | Classification | SNAP Approved Use | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-514A | 2 | B1 nonflammable | Chillers | R-123 |
| R-1234yf | <1 | A2L mildly flammable | Mobile AC | R-134a |
| R-1233zd | 1 | A1 nonflammable | Low Pressure Chillers | R-123 |
| R-1234ze | 6 | A2L mildly flammable | Medium Temp Refrigeration and Chillers | R-134a |
What is an A2L Refrigerant?
An A2L refrigerant is a classification defined by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) that refers to a refrigerant’s toxicity and flammability.
- The “A” in A2L indicates low toxicity.
- The “2L” refers to low flammability, meaning it is mildly flammable.
While the term “mildly flammable” may raise concerns A2L refrigerants require significant energy to ignite and are considered safe when handled properly. With proper training, equipment, and adherence to safety guidelines, A2L refrigerants can be used safely and effectively. A common misconception is that A2L’s contain propane, this is incorrect—A2L’s do not contain propane or hydrocarbons.
Safety Measures for A2L Refrigerants
To help ensure safety, A2L refrigerant cylinders are clearly marked:
- Red banding on the top portion of the cylinder identifies A2L refrigerants.
- Left-handed threads are used on both product and recovery cylinders to help HVAC technicians avoid cross-connection with non-A2L systems.
- Equipped with pressure release valves instead of rupture discs (to enhance safety during handling and storage)
- Storage limitations may apply depending on local county or state regulations and building codes. AHRI has published a map providing status of A2L building code regulations, it’s a great resource to know what applies to you in your local area https://www.ahrinet.org/a2l-refrigerant-building-code-map-us
These features are designed to minimize the risk of incorrect usage and enhance safe handling in the field.
As with all refrigerants best practice is to ensure refrigerant is not crossed when performing refrigerant recovery and Hudson recommends using dedicated recovery cylinders for R-454B and R-32. A2L recovery cylinders are readily available for purchase, and swap by Hudson and we are already accepting A2L refrigerants for return in our Clean Exchange buyback program.
As one of the largest refrigerant reclaimers in the country and the largest independent distributor of refrigerants Hudson is here to help with your A2L needs. Please reach out today for answers to your A2L questions, to purchase R-454B or R-32 or to return recovered A2L’s to us.
