HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons) are the current generation of refrigerants. They have zero ozone depletion potential but high global warming potential (GWP). They're being phased down under global agreements.
HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins) are next-generation refrigerants. They have ultra-low GWP (often below 10) and break down faster in the atmosphere. Many HFOs are mildly flammable (A2L classification) and are approved as replacements for high-GWP HFCs.
HFCs have high global warming potential (GWP) — some thousands of times more potent than CO2. Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and regulations like the US AIM Act and EU F-Gas, HFC production and consumption are being gradually phased down to reduce their climate impact.
GWP stands for Global Warming Potential. It measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to CO2 over a specific period (usually 100 years). CO2 has a GWP of 1. High-GWP refrigerants like R-404A have GWP around 3,900. Low-GWP HFOs like R-1234yf have GWP below 1.
A2L is a safety classification for mildly flammable refrigerants. Many HFOs fall into this category.
A means low toxicity
2L means lower flammability (harder to ignite, burns slowly)
A2L refrigerants are safe when handled properly but require specific training, equipment, and safety practices compared to non-flammable A1 refrigerants.
Yes. R-410A is scheduled for phasedown under the AIM Act. New equipment using R-410A is being replaced by lower-GWP alternatives like R-32 and R-454B. However, R-410A will remain available for servicing existing equipment for years to come, though prices may rise as supply decreases.
Yes. R-134a remains widely available and is still used in automotive AC, medium-temperature refrigeration, and many existing systems. However, new automotive systems have transitioned to R-1234yf, and R-134a is under phasedown. We maintain good stock of R-134a in various cylinder sizes.
Often, yes. Most HFCs and HFOs use POE (polyolester) oil. If your system currently uses mineral oil (common with older refrigerants like R-22), you'll need to retrofit to POE. Some drop-in blends are designed to work with mineral oil, but performance may vary.
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is US legislation that authorizes the phasedown of HFC production and consumption. It aligns with the Kigali Amendment and sets declining GWP reduction targets through 2036. The EPA implements the act, including restrictions on certain high-GWP refrigerants.
The Kigali Amendment is an international agreement to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol. Over 140 countries have ratified it, committing to reduce HFC production and consumption by 80-85% over the next few decades.
Yes. We ship to 40+ countries worldwide. We handle all export documentation, customs clearance support, and arrange shipping via air, sea, or land based on your needs.
