A 2025 Guide for Commercial HVAC Contractors & Building Owners
The HVAC industry is going through one of its biggest transitions in decades. As a commercial HVAC contractor, you’ve probably heard about the new EPA refrigerant regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 — but what do they actually mean for your business and your clients?
At Air Temp Mechanical, we’re helping building owners across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio understand these changes and plan ahead. Below, we break down what’s changing, debunk common myths, and explain how these regulations affect commercial HVAC systems moving forward.
What Is the AIM Act?
The AIM Act directs the EPA to phase down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and consumption in the U.S. because of their high environmental impact. Instead of banning them outright, the EPA is gradually reducing the supply to encourage a transition to lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.
The HFC Phase-Down Schedule:
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2022 → 10% reduction (already implemented)
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2024 → 40% reduction (currently in effect)
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2029 → 70% reduction
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2034 → 80% reduction
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2036 → Final cap at 85% reduction
The EPA enforces this through an allowance system, where manufacturers and importers are given limited refrigerant quotas that decrease over time. For contractors and building owners, this means tighter supply, rising prices, and the need to plan ahead.
Key Changes Affecting Commercial HVAC Systems
The new rules mainly impact new equipment installations and manufacturing, not existing systems. Here’s a breakdown:
| HVAC Subsector | Compliance Date | GWP Limit | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential & Light Commercial AC (rooftop units, splits <65k BTU) | Jan 1, 2025 | <700 | New systems must use refrigerants like R-454B or R-32. Installations of older units allowed until Jan 1, 2026. |
| Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) | Jan 1, 2026 | <700 | Multi-zone commercial systems must transition to low-GWP refrigerants. |
| Chillers (industrial & comfort cooling) | Jan 1, 2025 | <700 (positive displacement) <720 (centrifugal) | Impacts new chillers; existing units can remain in service. |
| Commercial Refrigeration (cold storage, supermarkets, warehouses) | Jan 1, 2025–2026 | <150–300 (larger systems) <700 (stand-alone units) | Promotes alternatives like CO₂ and ammonia for big facilities. |
Important Note:
These restrictions do not require replacing existing systems. However, contractors should expect rising refrigerant costs, limited availability, and stricter installation standards for new systems.
Debunking the Biggest Myths About the New Rules
Myth #1 — “All HFC systems must be replaced immediately.”
Reality: Not true. Existing systems can keep running indefinitely if properly maintained. You can continue servicing them using reclaimed, recycled, or stockpiled refrigerants.
Myth #2 — “HFCs will disappear, and systems will stop working.”
Reality: Supply will tighten, but the EPA requires reclamation programs to recycle existing refrigerants. While prices may increase, HFCs will remain available for servicing.
Myth #3 — “New refrigerants are unsafe because they’re flammable.”
Reality: Many lower-GWP refrigerants, like R-454B, fall under the A2L classification — “mildly flammable” but rigorously tested and approved under updated safety codes (ASHRAE 15, UL standards). Manufacturers are already producing equipment designed for safe usage.
Myth #4 — “Only large industrial facilities are affected.”
Reality: These rules impact common systems — rooftop units, split systems, and chillers — used in offices, retail, restaurants, and hospitality.
Myth #5 — “Compliance will be too expensive.”
Reality: While new low-GWP systems may cost 5–15% more upfront, many are more energy efficient and can reduce operating costs long-term. Plus, federal tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act can offset initial costs.
What This Means for Building Owners & Facility Managers
1. For New Installations
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Choose EPA-compliant systems with refrigerants under GWP 700.
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Manufacturers like Carrier, Trane, and Daikin are rolling out compliant products now.
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Avoid stockpiling old equipment — installation deadlines are approaching.
2. For Existing Systems
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Focus on preventing leaks and optimizing maintenance to reduce HFC usage.
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Reclaim refrigerants during service to lower costs and stay compliant.
3. Planning Ahead
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Audit your HVAC portfolio to see which systems are nearing end-of-life.
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Budget now for replacements — waiting until refrigerant supplies tighten could increase costs.
Air Temp Mechanical Can Help You Stay Ahead
At Air Temp Mechanical, we specialize in helping businesses across Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and all of Northeast Ohio navigate these changes. Our team can:
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Recommend low-GWP equipment that meets upcoming standards
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Service and maintain existing systems using EPA-compliant methods
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Handle refrigerant recovery, reclamation, and leak management
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Help you plan cost-effective upgrades before deadlines hit
Call us today at (216) 579-1552 or visit air-tempmech.com to schedule a consultation.
Final Thoughts
The new EPA refrigerant regulations are here to stay, but with the right planning, you can avoid costly surprises and position your business for long-term success. By focusing on maintenance, reclamation, and transitioning to low-GWP solutions, contractors and facility managers can stay compliant while keeping operations running smoothly.
For the latest updates, visit epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction.
