Cities and states around the U.S., as well as countries around the world, are passing laws designed to decarbonize their economies. In the U.S., the federal government along with numerous states have pledged to aggressively reduce — and potentially eliminate — carbon emissions over the next few decades. This typically involves encouraging Americans to replace their fossil fuel appliances such as gas furnaces with electric heat pumps.
But the problem with heat pumps, as well as air conditioners, is that most currently use R-410A refrigerant ― or even R-22 in older units ― which is a high-GWP HFC that experts believe contributes to global warming. That is why the federal government is in the process of phasing down these types of refrigerants in favor of lower-GWP refrigerants.