Joanna R. Turpin

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.

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

In response to the shift toward low-GWP refrigerants, several manufacturers have introduced convertible coils that are designed to operate with multiple refrigerants.  

Commercial demand for HVAC equipment grew in Q3, while residential sales fell, due to consumer uncertainty, cooler weather, and the lingering effects of the refrigerant transition. 

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.

Another refrigerant transition is inevitable, as innovation drives HVAC forward. But without clearer communication and coordination next time, contractors’ patience — and trust — may finally run out. 

Despite the summer heat, HVAC replacements are lagging as high prices, refrigerant shortages, and consumer caution weigh on the residential market.