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A2L Refrigerant

EPA Proposes Extension to A2L Transition Deadline: What It Means for RDT Customers

17 Oct, 2025

Can we put in A2L Update with some attention grabbing color

The refrigeration industry continues to change as environmental regulations push toward lower-GWP refrigerants. In early October, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new Proposed Rule that could affect how remote condensing units are designed, built, and installed in the years ahead.

 

At RDT, we believe it’s important to keep our customers informed and ready for what’s coming. Our engineering team has been tracking these developments closely under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 to make sure our systems stay compliant, efficient, and dependable.

Understanding the EPA’s Proposed Rule

On Friday, October 3, 2025, the EPA published a Proposed Rule in the Federal Register that revisits several dates and global warming potential (GWP) limits within the Technology Transition Provisions of the AIM Act.
 
This proposal opens a 45-day public comment period for manufacturers, end users, and other stakeholders to provide feedback. After the comment period ends, the EPA will review submitted comments, make any adjustments it considers appropriate, and then issue a Final Rule. That Final Rule will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

 

What’s Changing

For the retail food refrigeration – remote condensing units category, the Proposed Rule would adjust GWP thresholds as follows:
 
  • The GWP limit would be 1,400 beginning January 1, 2026, and remain in effect through December 31, 2031.

  • On January 1, 2032, the GWP limit would drop to 150 or 300, depending on the refrigerant charge of the system.

 

What This Means for RDT and Our Customers

Because this is still a Proposed Rule, RDT is not changing any current production or existing orders at this time. We continue to remind customers that any new refrigeration systems installed on or after January 1, 2026, will need to use an A2L refrigerant to align with the anticipated standards.
 
Our engineering team is also working to qualify A2L systems for A1 refrigerants, giving customers added flexibility once the Final Rule is issued. This proactive work ensures that, whatever the final decision, RDT will be ready with reliable, compliant solutions.

 

Our Commitment Moving Forward

RDT understands that proposed regulatory changes can raise questions for operators, installers, and technicians. We are committed to clear communication and hands-on support throughout the A2L transition.
 
No matter how the rule evolves, customers can count on RDT for systems that perform to our standards of safety and reliability—and for guidance every step of the way.
 
To review the complete Proposed Rule, visit www.federalregister.gov and search for EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0005.
 

 

What does the EPA’s proposed A2L deadline extension mean for refrigeration manufacturers and RDT customers?

If the EPA’s proposed A2L deadline extension becomes a final rule, then it gives manufacturers additional time to transition to lower-GWP refrigerants under the AIM Act.

For RDT customers, this means continued confidence that our systems meet evolving
environmental standards.

RDT’s engineering team is proactively qualifying A2L-compatible systems and ensuring flexibility for both A1 and A2L refrigerants, so customers stay prepared no matter the final ruling.

When will the EPA’s final rule on the A2L transition be released?

After the 45-day public comment period closes, the EPA will review feedback, make any necessary adjustments, and publish a Final Rule in the Federal Register.

That rule becomes effective 30 days after publication. While the timeline may shift based on the review process, RDT is monitoring developments closely to keep customers informed and ahead of compliance deadlines.

How is RDT preparing for the A2L transition?

RDT continues to test, qualify, and refine A2L-ready systems to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.

We are maintaining production of current systems while designing flexible solutions that align with both present and future refrigerant requirements. Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible for operators, installers, and consultants.