How to Adapt to the A2L Refrigerant Shift
In an interview with Kevin Miller, Senior Product Manager at Samsung Lennox HVAC, we learn valuable insights into the industry’s transition to A2L refrigerants. This shift is crucial for meeting new environmental standards in 2025. We discuss the implications for HVAC contractors, including changes in product design and safety standards, and what this means for installation and maintenance practices.
ECCO Supply: Kevin, can you describe Samsung’s strategy for integrating A2L refrigerants into your HVAC systems?
Kevin Miller (Samsung): Certainly. At Samsung, we’re proactive about the 2025 mandate, focusing primarily on residential systems with R32 refrigerants. We’ve moved past development and are now deploying these A2L-equipped products, ensuring they align with upcoming regulations. This transition involves a switch in refrigerants and adapting our entire product line to meet these new standards without extensive redesigns.
ECCO Supply: What are the main considerations HVAC contractors should consider when adopting A2L refrigerants?
Kevin Miller: Introducing mildly flammable A2L refrigerants requires contractors to adjust to new safety and installation codes. It’s crucial to understand charge limits and minimum room sizes as these are more stringent with A2L refrigerants. Contractors must also know the new handling and transportation certifications needed due to the refrigerant’s properties.
ECCO Supply: With the changes in refrigerants, are there specific modifications to the HVAC systems that contractors should be aware of?
Kevin Miller: Most changes in our residential units involve the refrigerant switch—primarily to R32. We are also integrating refrigerant detectors in some units to enhance safety. For our universal outdoor unit, the Hylex, compatible with third-party products, we plan to use R-454B later in 2025 to ensure it matches well with other manufacturers’ units.
ECCO Supply: How should HVAC contractors prepare to install and maintain systems using A2L refrigerants?
Kevin Miller: Installation and maintenance will now include new practices to comply with the flammability of A2L refrigerants. This includes following updated safety protocols, using spark-free tools, and adhering to revised building codes. For instance, there are now specific guidelines for pressure testing and evacuation steps mandated by code, which were previously best practices.
ECCO Supply: Looking beyond 2025, what future trends do you foresee in refrigerants and HVAC system design?
Kevin Miller: If the North American market continues down a path that includes A3 refrigerants, we expect increased adoption of water-based systems, along with major changes in building codes to facilitate the use of such refrigerants.
ECCO Supply: As Samsung gears up for these changes in the U.S., how is the rollout being managed in Canada, and where will regulations take effect a year later?
Kevin Miller: In Canada, we’ll continue to supply R410A units until the new regulations take effect. As A2L products start shipping to the States, we’ll also be ready to ship to Canada to customers who might want A2L products.
