A new refrigerant (A2L) for residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems is on the horizon. Breaking it down A = Non-toxic, 2 = Flammable, L = Low burning velocity. A2L refrigerant is mildly flammable and has a low Global Warming Potential (GWP), especially compared to the higher GWP refrigerants we use today.
As far as repairs and installs are concerned, there are additional required steps, some of which were just good practice with R22 and R410A (A1) refrigerants. Reputable HVAC service companies will have no issues with these changes, and for the most part have been following these practices already. Hiring an established, reputable company always makes the most sense in the long run.
So, how will this impact the homeowner/property owner/property manager? No surprise, prices will increase on R410a equipment. R22 and R410a refrigerants will continue to get more costly and the new A2L equipment will most likely be higher in price, especially at launch. Also, availability of new equipment may require longer lead times until manufacturers get back in their groove, so we will need to plan accordingly and be proactive.