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Columbus, OH – Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced today that the HVACR industry has nearly completed its transition to lower-global warming potential refrigerants in central ducted systems. According to HARDI’s Unitary Market Intelligence Report, low-GWP A2L equipment accounted for 91% of distributor sales in September 2025, capping a yearlong acceleration that began with single-digit adoption at the end of 2024.
“This transition has happened fast,” said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. “Distributors and contractors have moved decisively toward the next generation of low-GWP refrigerants; now HARDI is focused on ensuring distributors are protected from risks created by installation deadlines that we oppose while ensuring the industry is protected from future unnecessary transitions.”
(Courtesy of HARDI)
Despite the industry’s rapid adoption of A2L equipment, many distributors still hold limited R-410A inventory, which is at risk due to the installation prohibition in the EPA’s Technology Transition Rule. Under current rules, certain categories of residential and light commercial equipment may not be installed after specific deadlines, even if the equipment was manufactured before those dates and purchased in good faith.
To address this issue, HARDI has expressed support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to repeal the prohibition on installing these products based on their installation date. The change would allow distributors to responsibly sell through their remaining R-410A inventory without creating unnecessary waste or financial loss.
“With the transition effectively complete, there is no environmental justification for preventing the installation of compliant equipment already in the supply chain,” said Alex Ayers, HARDI Vice President of Government Affairs. “EPA’s proposal is a sensible fix, and we urge the agency to provide certainty for the entire channel quickly.”
HARDI is also encouraging EPA to evaluate and remove other installation and sell-through provisions affecting additional product categories. Consistent, predictable rules across all HVACR segments would better support a stable, market-based transition while minimizing disruptions for contractors, distributors, and consumers.
As the industry enters a new phase of refrigerant policy implementation, HARDI remains committed to advocating for practical regulation and providing its members with the data needed to navigate ongoing changes. The Unitary Market Intelligence Report continues to play a critical role in helping the HVACR supply chain benchmark performance and anticipate market shifts.
Distributors interested in participating in HARDI’s Unitary Market Intelligence program can contact HARDI’s Market Intelligence Team to enroll.
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