The HVACR industry is transitioning away from high-GWP, nonflammable (A1) refrigerants, such as R-404A and R-410A, to low-GWP alternatives, such as CO2, R-290, and lower flammability (A2L) refrigerants. The first two are already available in the commercial refrigeration market, with A2Ls poised for introduction in the near future.
The air conditioning market is already in the process of making the transition to A2Ls, but the commercial refrigeration market is a little behind. That delay is due to several factors that involve the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), codes and standards, and technical issues surrounding A2L refrigerants. This all takes time, which is why it may still be a little while before low- and medium-temperature A2L equipment becomes widely available.