What The 2026 A2L Refrigerant Transition Means for your Walk-In Coolers & Freezers
The U.S. refrigeration industry is in the middle of a major shift away from high-GWP HFCs toward lower-global-warming-potential refrigerants. That’s leading manufacturers, contractors, and facility owners to adopt A2L refrigerants. “A” for low toxicity and “2L” for low flammability (mildly flammable). For owners of walk-in coolers and freezers, the practical outcome is straightforward: any new equipment or installation will need to be A2L-compatible starting in 2026, and that brings safety, design, and service changes you should plan for now.
A2L refrigerants (examples include R?454B, R-32, R-455A, among others) have much lower GWP than older HFCs. Federal regulations and industry mandates (AIM Act / EPA Technology Transitions rules) are pushing manufacturers to stop producing many high-GWP systems and switch over to next-generation equipment that uses low-GWP refrigerants. The ultimate goal of these regulations is to dramatically cut climate impact from refrigeration and AC equipment.
- The EPA’s Technology Transitions program set deadlines that effectively require new refrigeration equipment to meet low-GWP limits and be A2L-compatible by the 2025–2026 timeframe. Installations of systems with GWPs above certain thresholds are restricted starting January 1, 2026.
- Separate energy and safety standards (DOE, ASHRAE) are also being updated to address equipment performance and the safe use of mildly flammable refrigerants; manufacturers and installers must follow these standards when designing or commissioning systems.
1. New equipment must be A2L-ready (or use alternative low-GWP blends)
Walk-in manufacturers are already offering models designed for low-GWP refrigerants. If you buy a new factory-built or field-assembled system after the regulatory deadlines, expect the refrigerant to be an A2L or another approved low-GWP option. These are not drop-in swaps for older high-GWP refrigerants, as they require equipment designed for A2L properties.
2. Safety and design differences matter
Because A2Ls are mildly flammable, systems must be engineered to limit refrigerant charge size, locate components to minimize ignition risk, and use electrical components and wiring rated for A2L use inside refrigerated spaces. ASHRAE and building codes set out charge-limit calculations and listing requirements for electrical components; these affect cabinet design, remote condensing choices, and control locations.
3. Service practices & tools will change
Technicians will need training and A2L-compatible tools: leak detectors tuned for HFOs/A2Ls, recovery equipment rated for mildly flammable refrigerants, and updated PPE and procedures. Allegheny Refrigeration service technicians are all A2L training certified and able to wor on these new systems.
4. Retrofit vs. replace decision-making
- Retrofit: In some cases, existing systems can be converted, but conversions are limited because A2Ls are not drop-in replacements — piping, controls, and safety features will require modification.
- Replace: For many older systems, replacement with factory-designed, A2L-compatible equipment is the safer and sometimes more cost-effective path when factoring safety upgrades and long-term compliance. Allegheny Refrigeration will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.
- Inventory equipment — list age, refrigerant type, and whether systems are factory-built or field-assembled.
- Confirm service capability — contact Allegheny Refrigeration to have a service tech evaluate your walk-in serviceability today
- Plan capital upgrades — prioritize end-of-life systems for replacement if they’re old or use high-GWP refrigerants.
- Budget for safety upgrades — anticipate changes like listed electrical components, leak detection, and possibly reduced allowable charge sizes.
- Check local code & permitting — some jurisdictions have specific code modifications for flammable refrigerants.
Are A2Ls dangerous?
A2L’s are mildly flammable — not “highly flammable.” With proper engineering, charge limits, and correct components, they’re used safely in many systems. With that being said, they do demand different handling and design than non-flammables.
Can my existing walk-in use an A2L refrigerant now?
Only if the system was designed or reworked for A2L use. Most older systems aren’t compatible without modifications.
Will service costs go up?
There may be upfront costs for replacing, retrofitting, and safety upgrades. Over time, decreased refrigerant cost volatility and improved efficiency can offset some of that — but budget planning is wise.
Bottom line
The move to A2L refrigerants around 2025–2026 is real and lasting. For walk-in coolers and freezers, the transition means new design expectations, updated safety requirements, and changed service practices. Start planning now — inventory your systems, verify your service partner’s A2L competency, and budget for equipment and safety upgrades. Being proactive will minimize downtime and compliance headaches while positioning your operations to run on lower-GWP refrigerants that regulators increasingly require.