Making The Low GWP Transition Simple & Safe
Across North America and beyond, the HVAC industry is converting to refrigerants with lower global warming potential.
It’s a new era in HVAC, and Lennox is here to support your seamless transition. From newly enhanced energy-efficent and climate-friendly product lines to expanded resources, expert training and comprehensive support—we’re with you every step of the way.
BACKGROUND
What's Changing and Why?
Beginning January 1, 2025, new HVAC equipment must use refrigerants with a global warming potential, or GWP, under 700. GWP measures how much heat a gas traps in the Earth's atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide (CO2). A gas with a lower GWP traps less heat, which is better for the Earth.
This means refrigerants with higher GWP, such as R-410A, will be phased out and replaced by more environmentally friendly refrigerants with a lower GWP, like R-454B and R-32. This shift to Low GWP refrigerants will reduce CO2 emissions by 4.6 billion metric tons between 2022 and 2050.
The new Low GWP refrigerants, like R-454B and R-32, fall into the A2L classification and offer a balance between safety and environmental impact. A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable and have a low risk of ignition and spread, so they require some changes to handling and installation practices. These additional steps are important for safety and code compliance.
Sell-Through Dates
To help ease the transition, equipment produced before January 1, 2025, can still be installed for a limited time.
RESOURCES
2025 Refrigerant Transition Guide
Find out what you need to know about the switch to Low GWP refrigerants with our comprehensive transition guide. From identifying A2L equipment and refrigerants to understanding the requirements and best practices for installation and handling. Plus, see how legacy equipment translates to the new Low GWP-compliant versions you need for 2025 and beyond.
IMPACT
How It Affects You
These changes are happening across the industry and affect us all, and Lennox is working diligently to minimize the impact to our customers wherever possible.
Specifying Engineers
The new HVAC systems have been redesigned and optimized for performance with Low GWP refrigerants, and along with specification changes come new safety requirements and protocols. Beyond that, make sure to assess the impact Low GWP refrigerants will have on the building’s sustainability goals.
Mechanical Contractors
New equipment means new installation and handling practices, which may impact project budget and timelines. Take time to walk your clients through the safety enhancements and leak mitigation system. And when it comes to servicing or repairing legacy systems, components will be available indefinitely, but refrigerant will be increasingly limited over time.
Building Owners and Facility Managers
When the time comes to upgrade your HVAC system with one that’s optimized for Low GWP refrigerant, keep in mind that new safety requirements and installation protocols may impact the budget and timeline for replacement. Until then, components to service and repair your legacy system will continue to be available, but refrigerant will be increasingly limited over time.
If you’re about to break ground on a new building, check with your builder and mechanical engineer to ensure code-compliant HVAC systems will be specified and installed.
Preparing You for the Future of HVAC
Lennox is with you every step of the way. As you prepare to meet new regulations for commercial HVAC projects in 2025 and beyond , we’re providing you with training and tools you need to stay on top.
- Documentation
Hit the ground running with brochures and product information available at your fingertips.
- Training
Find quick reference guides and technical training that you can easily access on the job.
- Connect
Get support when you need it most with a responsive team and expert advice.
GWP stands for Global Warming Potential, a metric developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to measure the amount of heat trapped in the atmosphere from greenhouse gases. While there is no strict legal definition for the term “Low GWP” refrigerant, it generally refers to refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or less, per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technology Transition Rule. R-454B has 78% lower global warming potential than R-410A.
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