HVAC A2L Refrigerants

Keep your environment cool

HVAC A2L Refrigerants

How A2L Refrigerants are leading the way to Sustainable HVAC

As global attention intensifies around sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry faces mounting pressure to adopt more environmentally responsible technologies.

HVAC systems currently account for around 7% of global electricity consumption and contribute to over 3% of worldwide CO2 emissions—making them a key target in the effort to curb climate change. In addition to electricity consumption, the refrigerants themselves can also drive climate change, as they contribute to the greenhouse effect. For this reason, the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants is increasingly coming into focus when selecting refrigerants, and new regulations are increasingly pushing for the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants.

The transition to refrigerants with low GWP values often goes hand in hand with the shift from old synthetic refrigerants (like HFC) to natural or HFO synthetic refrigerants. In this context, A2L-classified refrigerants play an important role. They are classified as mildly flammable and often have a significantly lower GWP values. Along with improving energy efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions, A2L refrigerants support the development of more sustainable heating and cooling solutions.


Picture of a rooftop HVAC at sunset with electricity consumption icon
HVAC consumes 7% of Global Electricity

The HVAC sector is responsible for approximately 7% of global electricity consumption, which translates to over 3% of total CO2 emissions.

Aviation routes in the sky and consumption
3 Times More Compared to Aviation

HVAC systems in the United States alone emit three times more CO2 than all aviation and shipping combined.

Maintanance technician on HVAC
60% of outdated HVAC installations

Around 60% of HVAC installations globally are outdated and inefficient. Replacing even a single component in these systems can lead to a reduction of up to 50% in CO2 emissions.

What are A2L Refrigerants?

Refrigerants classified as mildly flammable (class A2L) often have a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to synthetic refrigerants. A2L refrigerants are increasingly being adopted in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and other cooling applications as manufacturers seek to comply with environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprints. 

HVAC refrigerant flammability
Key Characteristics of A2L Refrigerants:

Mildly Flammable: Refrigerants classified as A2L combine a low flammability limit and low heat of combustion, with a low burning velocity, making them safer for use in various applications.

Lower GWP: A2L refrigerants often have lower GWP then non flammable (A1) refrigerants and contribute significantly less to global warming. For example, R-32, a common A2L refrigerant, has a GWP of 675, while R-404A, a common A1 refrigerant has a GWP of 3920.

HVAC refrigerant sustainability
Common A2L Refrigerants:

R-32: Widely used in residential and commercial air conditioning systems, R-32 is known for its efficiency and lower environmental impact.

R-1234yf: Commonly used in automotive air conditioning systems, R-1234yf is another A2L refrigerant that offers a low GWP.

R-454B (GWP): Common replacement of synthetic refrigerant R410A in air condition units and heat pumps.

R-455A (GWP 148): Common replacement of R-404A in refrigeration systems.

R-454C (GWP 146): Common replacement of R-404A and R-22 in low- and medium temperature ap-plications.

Flammability of A2L Refrigerants

Since the invention of the vapor-compression cycle in 1834, the HVAC industry has evolved from using natural refrigerants to synthetics like CFCs and HFCs between the 1930s and 1990s. Today, the industry is coming full circle, returning to natural refrigerants and modern HFO blends like A2L, which combine sustainability, safety, and performance.

The transition to A2L refrigerants is primarily driven by stringent regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By 2027, the use of refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) above 150 will be restricted in various applications. This regulatory landscape encourages businesses to adapt their HVAC systems to comply with these new standards, ensuring both environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

One of the key advantages of A2L refrigerants is their reduced impact on global warming. For example, refrigerants like R-32 have a GWP of 675, significantly lower than traditional refrigerants such as R-410A, which has a GWP of around 2,088. This reduction in GWP means that adopting A2L refrigerants can greatly lower the overall carbon footprint of HVAC systems, aligning with global sustainability goals.

However, despite their environmental benefits, A2L refrigerants present challenges related to their flammability. While they are considered safer than A3 refrigerants (A2L refrigerants have a lower flammability limit (LFL) and lower heat of combustion compared to A3 refrigerants) the design of refrigeration machines using A2L refrigerants still requires consideration of specific safety-related regulations. For further information see relevant parts of IEC 60335.

 

Lucas Schidel ABB Expert
Lucas Schichel, Global Product Manager at ABB

While the transition to A2L refrigerants is essential for meeting regulatory requirements, it is equally important to address the flammability risks associated with their use.

How ABB supports the transition to A2L refrigerants

ABB has developed a variety of products that are certified for use with A2L refrigerants. These certifications are crucial for manufacturers as they navigate the regulatory landscape. ABB's products include contactors, overload relays, and manual motor starters that meet the necessary safety standards for A2L applications. For Softstarters, we can offer a declaration of conformity regarding the relevant clauses of IEC60335-2-40 on request.
Access the Application Note below to get the list of ABB's certified products for A2L refrigerants and related certifications.

A2L refrigerants main visual

Control products for household and commercial applications

Refer to our Application Note for guidance on selecting the appropriate control products for household and commercial applications, as well as for understanding the specific requirements for electrical components in HVAC applications when using flammable refrigerants.
Download

ABB certified products for A2L refrigerants

afcontactor
AF contactors

Secure uptime and optimize stocks with AF latest technology up to 2850 A.

Go to page
sitefinity_32f2901beec1f463c09537ff0000433538
Manual Motor Starters

Manual motor starters (MPCBs) are electromechanical protection devices for the main circuit, providing fuseless protection.

Go to page
3-pole mini contactors
B mini contactors

B mini contactors are ideally suited for applications where reliability is a must and space is at a premium.

Go to page
mini1
M mini contactors

Great solution when high performances are needed but the space is limited.

Go to page
thermal-overload-relays
Thermal overload relays

Thermal overload relays are economic electromechanical protection devices for the main circuit.

Go to page
Installation contactors
Installation contactors

Widely used in buildings for switching and controlling lighting, heating, and more, the installation contactors take noise reduction to a new level.

Go to page
Photo of Lucas Schidel - ABB Expert

Want to know more about ABB offering complying with A2L refrigerants?

Get in contact with our expert

Additional resources

HVAC-contactor-banner
Problems with the contactor in your HVAC Systems? Choose AF.

Your chiller system may be working along just fine… until it isn’t. When failures happen, the usual suspects get the blame: compressors, pumps, and fans. But often, the real issue lies in a component no bigger than your palm — the HVAC contactor.

Navigate to page
HVAC Data Center campaign visual
Working on projects to future-proof HVAC systems for modern data centers?

Discover ABB electrical bundles for energy-efficient HVAC cooling in Data Centers. From Air to Liquid cooling, boost performance with ABB!

Check our electrical bundles
HVAC chiller system
Discover ABB complete HVAC offering

Discover our best-in-class solutions and innovative product portfolio for full-speed motor starting and protection for HVAC systems.

Access full portfolio
Select region / language