Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Restrictions on the Use of HFCs Under the AIM Act in Variable Refrigerant Flow Air Conditioning Subsector

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to amend a provision of the Technology Transitions regulations promulgated under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. This action allows one additional year, until January 1, 2027, solely for the installation of new residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump variable refrigerant flow systems that are 65,000 British thermal units per hour or greater using components manufactured in the U.S. or imported prior to January 1, 2026. The existing January 1, 2026, compliance date for the installation of certain variable refrigerant flow systems may result in significant stranded inventory that was intended for new construction. EPA is promulgating this action to mitigate the potential for significant stranded inventory in this subsector.