A2L refrigerants are changing HVAC systems. Get ready.
The transition to A2L refrigerants is reshaping HVAC system design and compliance standards. With Airzone control solutions, meeting the new regulations is easy, safe, and hassle-free.
What is the refrigerant transition?
The HVAC sector is switching from A1 refrigerants, such as R-410A, to A2L refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B, due to new environmental and safety regulations. This shift is defined by standards such as ASHRAE® 15, ASHRAE® 34, and CSA™ B52, affecting all systems that use refrigerant, especially HVAC systems.
Why is this transition happening?
The HVAC sector is adopting A2L refrigerants in response to stricter environmental regulations. Although A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, they are much more environmentally friendly and align with global climate goals. They offer:
Lower global warming potential (GWP)
Lower ozone depletion potential (ODP)
Who is affected, and how?
Installers, contractors, and technicians
The transition to A2L refrigerants does not change customer expectations; it changes how they are met. This means adopting new technology and finding new A2L-compatible zoning and connectivity solutions, without adding complexity to your projects.
Engineers, architects, and specifiers
This transition has a direct impact on HVAC system design. You will need to use smaller units to reduce refrigerant charge, redesign piping layouts to make them shorter, and comply with stricter safety regulations.
How does Airzone help you with the transition to A2L?
Airzone reduces refrigerant volume, helping simplify compliance with ASHRAE 15 A2L requirements:
Optimized system design
Airzone’s full range of zoning and integration solutions is fully compatible with AC units using A2L refrigerants. Whether you're working with ducted or ductless units, our technology ensures seamless communication and reliable control with A2L equipment.
Fewer units, less piping
By enabling precise zoning, Airzone allows the same space to be air conditioned with fewer AC units. This reduces the amount of piping required, minimizing potential leakage points and installation complexity.
Lower refrigerant concentration
Airzone’s zoning solutions use ducted units to air condition multiple zones from a single unit. Ceiling plenums are factored into ASHRAE 15 refrigerant concentration calculations, increasing the effective room volume.
Fully A2L-compatible product range
Unlike traditional AC units, A2L units use manufacturer specific communication protocols. Airzone products are designed to communicate using these protocols, making them the easiest way to begin your journey into A2L compatible HVAC control.
See for yourself: Conventional VRF system vs. Airzone zoning solution.
See how replacing a VRF system with an Airzone zoning system impacts your project’s regulatory compliance.
Without Airzone
A traditional VRF system requires more indoor units, longer piping, and a higher refrigerant charge, increasing the risk of exceeding safety thresholds and making it harder to comply with the refrigerant concentration limits set out in ASHRAE 15.
With Airzone
Airzone’s zoning solution simplifies system design by using fewer indoor units to condition multiple zones, reducing the amount of piping and the total refrigerant charge. The result? Lower refrigerant concentration levels, compliance with A2L safety standards, and full comfort and control in every zone.
Get the detailed report
Discover our A2L-compatible zoning systems
Airzone offers two zoning solutions designed for full compatibility with A2L units. Whether your project requires a centralized Plug&Play zoning system or a fully scalable distributed system with dampers, both solutions help reduce refrigerant charge, optimize system design, and provide full control of each zone.
Sequence of Operations
Airzone zoning systems are designed to receive refrigerant leak detection signals and respond with a sequence of operations that ensures safe, reliable, and ASHRAE 15 compliant installations. By interlocking multiple zones, the system increases the total connected space into which refrigerant could leak, helping meet ASHRAE 15 Refrigerant Concentration Limits (RCL).
Other A2L Compatible Products
Need control and integration for a single zone? Airzone offers a full range of A2L-compatible devices designed for individual HVAC units. With Aidoo, you can:
Integrate HVAC control into BMS (Building Management System) and home automation systems using open and closed protocols.
Integrate a smart thermostat with a compatible AC unit.
Add wireless control from the Airzone Cloud App.
Request your A2L compliance consultation:
Fill out the form to receive more information about A2L regulatory compliance.