The HVAC industry is on the brink of a significant change as we prepare for the transition to A2L refrigerants, aimed at reducing environmental impact. From new regulations to updated equipment, the transition requires contractors like you to be ready. Here’s the good news, with OnCall Air, the sales portion of the transition won’t be a headache. Read on for a brief overview of the A2L transition and how OnCall Air makes part of the process easier.
What is the A2L Transition?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is phasing down the use of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants like R-410A. By January 1, 2025, new manufacturing standards will require using mildly flammable A2L refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32, which have low toxicity and lower global warming potential in residential and commercial HVAC systems.
How Will the Transition Impact Contractors?
The A2L transition means contractors will need to adapt their equipment, sales, and installations to meet new standards. Here’s how it will affect you:
- Product Updates: You’ll need to sell and install new A2L-compliant units, which will require updating your proposals and product offerings.
- Safety Protocols: A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, so your team will need to follow new safety standards when handling and installing this equipment.
- AHRI Matchups: You must ensure that equipment pairings still meet efficiency requirements under the new refrigerant guidelines.
How OnCall Air Makes the A2L Transition EASIER
Although the A2L transition can feel overwhelming, OnCall Air streamlines the sales side for you, ensuring a smoother and more manageable process. Here’s how:
- LIVE EQUIPMENT: If you’re working with one of our connected distributors, as the new products are available, you’ll simply click to activate them in your live equipment manager. All the product details – pictures, descriptions, brochures, AHRI matchups, and even videos – are pulled in automatically. There’s no need to manually update each product or worry about missing details. You can also deactivate the outdated equipment.
- CUSTOM EQUIPMENT: For contractors using custom equipment, there are a few more steps to take. Fill out our Kickstart form which will pre-load commonly sold series, including A2L series. Then update the model numbers and cost, and OnCall Air will handle the rest.
Hear from OnCall Air user and A/C Authority owner Kyle Ricciardi about how our platform’s connector technology, with automatic updates and easy product activation, ensures a smooth sales transition for your business.
What You Can Do Now to Prepare?
Although OnCall Air makes the A2L shift easier, there are a few steps you can take to stay ahead:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest A2L refrigerant regulations and safety standards.
- Evaluate Your Inventory: Begin identifying which products will need updates or replacements as A2L-compliant models arrive.
- Leverage Technology: Use OnCall Air to streamline the sales process and ensure you’re prepared when A2L products hit the market.
Resources
For a deeper understanding of the A2L refrigerant transition and its implications, you can explore resources from some of our connected distributors:
- Carrier Enterprise’s HFC Refrigerant Phase-Down Overview
- East Coast Metal Distributors’ Guide to Embracing R32
- Baker Distributing’s Refrigerant Regulations Guide
- Gemaire’s A2L Transition Readiness Guide
Final Thoughts
At OnCall Air, our mission has always been to help contractors stay ahead of the curve with powerful tools that simplify the sales process. The A2L transition is no different. With our robust support and powerful features, the sales side of the A2L switch becomes easy to manage. We’re here to make sure you can continue serving your customers with confidence, efficiency, and ease.
