The HVACR industry is undergoing another refrigerant transition, as HFCs such as R-410A and R-404A are being phased down in favor of new, lower-GWP refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B. Unlike the last transition, which shifted from the use of one nonflammable (A1) refrigerant to another, many of these new refrigerants are mildly flammable (A2L), so additional care will need to be taken in order to safely use them.

This year will also be pivotal for the refrigerant transition, as a 40% reduction in HFC production occurs starting January 1, 2024. Below, industry experts offer advice about what contractors need to know about the transition, as well as how to prepare for it.