What Hawaii Businesses Need to Know About the 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Transition (AIM Act of 2020)

In response to new environmental regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, the HVAC and refrigeration industry is undergoing a significant shift beginning January 2025. The guidelines mandate a transition to low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-454B and R-32, to replace older, high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A. For business owners in Hawaii—particularly property managers and restaurant operators—understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining compliance, ensuring system efficiency, and managing costs effectively. In addition, this applies to residential HVAC and refrigeration units as well.

Why Are Refrigerants Changing?

The transition away from R-410A and other high-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants is driven by regulatory efforts to reduce environmental impact. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved alternatives such as R-454B and

R-32, which have significantly lower GWP ratings than their predecessors.

Which Refrigeration Units Are Incompatible with the New Refrigerants?

Not all existing HVAC and refrigeration systems can handle the switch to R-454B or R-32. Here are the key systems that are not compatible with the new refrigerants:

• R-22 Systems: Older air conditioning and refrigeration units using R-22 (Freon) are already obsolete due to previous regulatory phaseouts. These systems cannot be retrofitted to use R-454B or R-32.

• R-410A Units: Despite being widely used in commercial and residential HVAC systems, R-410A is not compatible with the new refrigerants. Retrofitting is not an option, meaning these units will need to be replaced when they reach the end of their lifespan.

• Older Refrigeration Systems (R-404A & R-134a): Some older commercial refrigeration units may also be incompatible with the new low-GWP refrigerants, requiring replacement instead of simple recharging.

  
  

Why Aren’t Older Units Compatible?

There is a risk that the new replacement refrigerants—such as R-454B and R-32—may be incompatible with older HVAC and refrigeration systems. Here’s why:

• System Design Differences – R-410A, the refrigerant currently being phased out, operates at different pressures and requires different oil types than R-454B and R-32. Older systems designed for R-410A cannot be simply recharged with these new refrigerants without modifications.

• Retrofitting Limitations – Unlike past refrigerant transitions where some systems could be retrofitted (such as converting R-22 systems to R-410A with component changes), there are no retrofits available to convert R-410A units to use R-454B or R-32. This means that existing units will need to be replaced entirely once they reach the end of their service life.

• Flammability Considerations – Both R-454B and R-32 are mildly flammable (classified as A2L refrigerants), requiring changes in system design, safety protocols, and training for technicians to handle them safely.

• Supply & Cost Concerns – While existing R-410A units can still be serviced, the supply of R-410A will become more limited and expensive over time due to regulatory phaseouts. Business owners may eventually face higher costs for maintaining older equipment.

How Does This Impact Hawaii Business Owners?

1. No Immediate Replacement Required, But Planning Is Key

   Business owners do not need to replace their existing HVAC and refrigeration units immediately. However, once an R-410A system reaches the end of its service life, replacement with a new, compliant unit will be necessary. This means planning ahead is essential to avoid unexpected costs.

   
   

2. Increasing Service Costs for Older Systems

   As R-410A production is phased out, refrigerant prices will rise, making maintenance of older systems more expensive over time. This could make replacing aging equipment more cost-effective in the long run.

   
   

3. New Systems Will Have Higher Upfront Costs

   Due to the redesign of HVAC and refrigeration units for compatibility with R-454B and R-32, the initial cost of purchasing and installing new systems will be higher—estimated to be 15-25% more expensive than their R-410A counterparts.

   
   

4. New Refrigerants Require Special Handling

   R-454B and R-32 are classified as A2L refrigerants, meaning they are mildly flammable which is why you need experts like Alltemp technicians in installing and servicing these units.

What Should Property Managers & Restaurant Owners Do Now?

• Assess Current Equipment: Determine the age and condition of existing HVAC and refrigeration systems. If they are nearing the end of their lifespan, start budgeting for replacement.

• Plan for Future Upgrades: Instead of waiting for an emergency failure, proactively replace outdated equipment with new refrigerant-compliant models to avoid high maintenance costs.

• Implement Smart Monitoring Solutions: Invest in HVAC and refrigeration monitoring systems that provide real-time performance tracking, predictive maintenance alerts, and efficiency insights. These technologies can help reduce energy costs and prevent unexpected failures, ensuring better long-term savings and system reliability.

• Take Advantage of Incentives: Check for federal and state rebates or incentives that can help offset the cost of upgrading to energy-efficient, compliant systems.

• Work with a Certified HVAC Alltemp: Ensure technicians handling your system are trained in A2L refrigerants to meet compliance and safety standards.

The 2025 refrigerant transition is a significant change for Hawaii’s businesses, but with proper planning, it can be managed effectively. By staying informed and preparing for future upgrades, property managers and restaurant owners can ensure compliance, reduce long-term costs, and maintain efficient cooling systems for their operations.

If you're looking for guidance on upgrading your HVAC or refrigeration system in Hawaii, contact Alltemp today to discuss the best options for your business!