Why A2L Refrigerants Are Becoming the New Standard — and How G&D Is Supporting the Transition February 13, 2026 Glycol chillers have relied on familiar HFC refrigerants for decades — but with new federal regulations, updated safety codes, and a major push toward lower‑GWP technologies, the refrigeration landscape is changing fast. A2L refrigerants are quickly becoming the compliant, future‑ready choice for most glycol chilling applications. Here’s what’s driving that shift — and how G&D is helping operators navigate it. Why the Industry Is Moving Toward A2Ls The EPA’s phasedown of high‑GWP HFCs under the AIM Act is making older refrigerants harder to source, more expensive, and increasingly restricted for new equipment. At the same time, ASHRAE Standards 15 and 34 now fully recognize A2L refrigerants and define their safety requirements. Mechanical and fire codes across the U.S. are being updated to align. The result: A2Ls are becoming the industry’s preferred low‑GWP replacement for traditional HFCs. What Makes A2Ls Unique? A2Ls are: Significantly lower GWP than legacy HFCs Mildly flammable (with a very low flame‑propagation rate) Compatible with familiar vapor‑compression technology That means the refrigeration fundamentals remain the same, while the environmental footprint improves. A2Ls in Glycol Chilling Breweries, wineries, food & beverage facilities, and industrial processors all rely on stable, reliable chilling performance. A2Ls support those needs with: Strong efficiency Long‑term regulatory compliance Lower environmental impact A familiar servicing experience for technicians Addressing Safety Modern A2L‑ready chillers incorporate: Charge‑limit engineering Proper ventilation strategies Compliant controls and components When engineered correctly, A2L systems meet the same safety expectations as any commercial refrigeration equipment. What About R290 and Natural Refrigerants? While A2Ls are becoming the standard for larger commercial systems, natural refrigerants like R290 propane play an increasingly important role, especially in smaller, self‑contained systems with very low charge limits. Both refrigerant classes support lower‑GWP, regulation‑ready cooling — and G&D offers solutions across both pathways. The right choice depends on your facility layout, local code adoption, and long‑term sustainability goals. A Perspective from Paul Johnson, Director of Technology & R&D “Refrigerant regulations are pushing the industry toward cleaner-impact, lower‑GWP technologies, and A2Ls are a natural next step. They let us maintain the performance customers expect while staying aligned with evolving standards — without reinventing the fundamentals of refrigeration. A2Ls give us a practical way to build efficient, reliable glycol chillers that meet modern expectations for safety and sustainability.” Moving Forward with Confidence A2Ls aren’t a passing trend — they’re part of a long‑term regulatory shift. Updating your equipment strategy now ensures: Compliance with new EPA rules Easier code navigation Long‑term serviceability Strong performance G&D Chillers is here to help you evaluate your current system, plan for future requirements, and choose the refrigerant strategy that fits your operation best — whether that’s A2L, R290, or a combination of both. Regulatory & Standards References For readers who want to explore the regulations shaping today’s refrigerant transition, here are the official sources: EPA AIM Act — HFC Phasedown Overview (official federal regulations) ASHRAE Standards 15 & 34 — Refrigerant safety classifications & system requirements ICC 2024 I‑Codes — Building/mechanical code updates allowing A2L refrigerant use Contact us