Standards and Legislation

RSS

Food retailers face growing confusion as evolving EPA AIM Act mandates and differing state rules make refrigerant compliance increasingly complex. 

From record sales to big investments, electrification had a stand-out year. The Building Decarbonization Coalition’s (BDC) annual Wrapped report takes a data-driven look at some of the biggest electrification stories of 2025. Here’s a snapshot of some of the highlights for the HVAC industry. 

EPA announced it will temporarily deprioritize enforcement of the installation ban for certain pre-2025 AC, heat pump, and commercial refrigeration equipment.

EPA’s proposed revisions to the Technology Transitions rule — which extend deadlines, adjust GWP limits, and potentially remove the AC/HP installation cutoff — have generated extensive comments from across the HVACR industry.

Distributors report success in reducing R-410 equipment inventory, but some say repealing the deadline for installing the systems would help.

Successful AIM Act compliance requires more than equipment — it demands integrated leak detection, documentation, clear response protocols, and consistent staff training.

It’s been a challenging year for the HVACR industry, marked by refrigerant shortages, changing EPA regulations, and sluggish replacement sales.

Cities, states have pushed electrification at the expense of natural gas — now Congress is pushing back. 

EPA’s proposed rule may offer short-term flexibility, but industry leaders warn it could trigger HFC shortages and stranded assets. 

EPA’s proposed refrigerant rule revisions would extend compliance deadlines and raise GWP limits. Industry groups are divided between supporting flexibility and warning of confusion and delayed transitions.