Regulatory Update

HVACR Trade Groups Challenge EPA Refrigerant Rule in Federal Court

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:48:17 -0400

HARDI: Deviating from original compliance deadlines is “legally flawed, economically reckless.”

A2L Refrigerant Transition Raises New Compliance Questions

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:04 -0400

With the A2L transition underway, the ICC explains what contractors need to know about codes, labeling, and refrigerant issues.

Could Today's HFC Relief Lead to Tomorrow's Refrigerant Shortages?

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Short-term relief or long-term disruption? Revised EPA refrigerant ruling introduces potential challenges for HVACR equipment supply chain.

PFAS Rules and A2L Building Codes Continue to Evolve

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

HVACR industry faces growing complexity from state-level PFAS regulations and evolving A2L building codes, requiring manufacturers and contractors to stay alert and engaged.

EPA Removes R-410A Installation Deadline

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400

EPA finalized revisions to the TT Rule, easing several refrigerant deadlines and expanding compliance flexibility for several HVACR sectors.

Refrigerant Regulations Remain a Moving Target

Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Experts examine EPA rulemaking, the A2L refrigerant transition, and state-level initiatives that are shaping the future of HVACR regulation.

HUD Rescinds Energy Code Rule Impacting HVAC Systems, Home Costs

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Rescinding federal energy code requirements could cut $20,000 to $31,000 from new home costs while reshaping HVAC system choices.

DOJ Backs Challenge to DOE Rule Impacting Gas Furnaces and Water Heaters

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A Supreme Court case could determine whether certain gas appliances remain available, with implications for millions of homes and HVAC installations.

Bill to Limit PFAS Use Re-introduced in Washington

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act did not advance when it was introduced two years ago, but its sponsors are trying again.

Department of Justice Sues New Jersey Township Over Gas Ban

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Morris Township, New Jersey, over an ordinance requiring certain new buildings to be all-electric.

No New Refrigerant Transition — But Challenges Persist

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Industry leaders say no new refrigerant transition is imminent, but state mandates and affordability pressures threaten the HVACR industry’s “hopeful calm.”

A2Ls Advance Despite Regulatory Uncertainty

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Despite regulatory uncertainty, A2L refrigerants are rapidly expanding across HVACR sectors, driven by EPA GWP limits and growing demand for sustainability.

White House AI Framework Could Boost HVAC Demand as Data Center Growth Accelerates

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400

The White House issued policy recommendations to Congress on artificial intelligence, including suggestions that could support the HVAC industry’s role in data centers.

HARDI Warns of Refrigerant Supply Disruptions in New York

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:30:00 -0400

New York’s refrigerant rules may cause supply shortages, raising costs for consumers and businesses, as industry groups push for regulatory alignment with federal standards to avoid disruptions.

Department of Energy to Take Over Energy Star from EPA

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400

DOE is taking over the ENERGY STAR program, a move that could change how efficiency tiers align with federal standards and how quickly HVAC equipment certifications are updated.

Supreme Court Petition Challenges EPA Authority Under AIM Act

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400

A petition filed on behalf of Choice Refrigerants asks the Supreme Court to reconsider a D.C. Circuit ruling that upheld the EPA’s implementation of the HFC phasedown program.

HVACR’s State Political Landscape

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

HARDI’s director of state government affairs outlined a few key political issues distributors face, including PFAS and refrigerant restrictions and limits on energy choice.

Heat Pump Rebates Could Get the Axe

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Whether due to sustainability goals or rising energy costs — electrification laws are gaining momentum across the country.

Electrification Laws Are Changing the HVAC Playbook

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0500

Whether due to sustainability goals or rising energy costs — electrification laws are gaining momentum across the country.

DOJ Sues California Cities Over Natural Gas Bans

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500

A lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice could have major implications for how other state and local governments regulate energy sources like natural gas.

House Vote Puts Heat Pump Rebates in Jeopardy

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:30:00 -0500

One measure approved by the House would revise the rules for setting energy efficiency standards for appliances, and the other would repeal the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program, which provides low- and moderate-income homeowners with rebates for installing heat pumps and other qualifying electrical equipment.

Oregon Requiring Heat Pumps on New Homes

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500

New homes in Oregon will be built using heat pumps instead of ducted a/c, a move that might be replicated in other states.

HVAC Trends: Refrigerant Transition

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

The latest refrigerant phase down didn’t just test equipment — it tested the entire supply chain. With questions still swirling around EPA guidance, contractors are looking for clarity. A Chemours expert breaks down what went wrong, what’s improved, and what comes next.

Are You Actually Ready for an EPA Audit?

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Many contractors overlook EPA 608 compliance, but expanded AIM Act rules and rising enforcement mean even good contractors face steep penalties if they can’t document proper refrigerant handling.

New Year, New Refrigerant Rules, No Grace Period

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

As industry debates the Technology Transitions rule, EPA’s ER&R rule is already in effect, imposing new leak repair, reclamation, reporting, and automatic leak detection requirements under the AIM Act.

Washington Supreme Court Weighs Future of Natural Gas Access

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

The Washington Supreme Court is reviewing Initiative 2066, a voter-approved measure that could shape natural gas access, electrification policy, and HVAC contractor options.

How HVAC Systems Impact Building Energy Costs

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Individual energy-saving habits help, but buildings consume far more energy. Here’s what really drives efficiency.

Political Insights at HARDI Conference

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

A panel representing four major manufacturers discussed political and regulatory issues in front of HVACR distributors during the recent HARDI conference in Las Vegas.

7 Predictions for HVAC in 2026

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Will 2026 be the year of the refrigerant bounty?

EPA Offers Temporary Relief on R-410A Installations

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:20:00 -0500

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