The refrigeration industry is facing one of its most important shifts in decades. By January 1, 2026, all newly installed commercial refrigeration systems must use low-GWP refrigerants. This isn't a suggestion. It's a federal requirement under the AIM Act, designed to phase down harmful hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and reduce environmental impact.
That's why Thermo-Kool is dedicated to leading the way when it comes to creating A2L compliance walk-in coolers and freezers. If you’re in the foodservice or cold storage industries, now is the time to understand what’s changing, what it means for your operation, and how we can help you stay ahead of the curve.
A2L refrigerants are the new generation of cooling agents. They’re classified by ASHRAE
as having low toxicity (the “A”) and low flammability (the “2L”). That might sound a little intimidating, but the reality is, when handled correctly, A2Ls are safe and incredibly effective.
Compared to their high-GWP HFC predecessors like R404A or R134a, A2Ls offer a much lower impact on the environment while delivering similar—sometimes better—cooling performance.
At Thermo-Kool, we’ve selected R454A as our standard A2L refrigerant. It checks all the boxes: energy-efficient, reliable, and ready for commercial applications like walk-in coolers and freezers.
The short answer? The environment. The long answer? Federal and global regulations are tightening to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The AIM Act, signed into law in 2020, is leading the charge in the United States mandating a phasedown of HFCs. Globally, the
Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is pushing for the same.
But beyond compliance, switching to A2L refrigerants also opens the door to improved system efficiency, potential energy rebates, and long-term savings. Especially if you plan ahead and choose the right partners.
Unlike traditional refrigerants, A2Ls come with specific design and safety requirements. Because they’re mildly flammable, they require enhanced ventilation, leak detection, and components rated for A2L use. That might include sensors that trigger fans automatically, upgraded electrical parts, or even safety shut-off valves.
These systems are also more complex by nature. More electronics and safeguards mean more things to account for during installation and maintenance. That’s why Thermo-Kool works closely with trusted refrigeration professionals to ensure that A2L-compatible refrigeration units are ready even before the 2026 deadline.
You heard that right. Your A2L compliant walk-in cooler and freezer can be ready in as little as four weeks.
We get this question a lot, and unfortunately, the answer is no.
Federal regulations prohibit retrofitting old systems to use A2L refrigerants. The pressure dynamics and safety risks are just too different. That means if you want to be compliant after January 1, 2026, you'll need to replace any non-compliant systems with A2L-ready equipment.
It might sound like a hassle, but here’s the upside: new systems offer better energy performance and long-term cost savings. Plus, being compliant will help you avoid future fines, delays, or shutdowns.
There’s no sugar-coating it: switching to A2L refrigerants comes with higher upfront costs. On average, you’re looking at 15%-40% more than traditional systems. That’s due to the added safety components and design considerations we mentioned earlier.
But here’s the good news. Those same systems can also deliver up to 10% greater energy efficiency. Depending on your application and usage, that efficiency can quickly translate into real savings on your utility bills. And don’t forget: some energy providers are now offering rebates or incentives for energy-efficient upgrades like these.
Waiting too long can put your project, and your operation, at risk. Remember, the 2026 compliance deadline is based on the installation date, not the purchase date. So even if you order a unit before the deadline, it must be installed, charged, and operational before the clock runs out.
Failing to meet the deadline could result in fines, restrictions, or even the shutdown of non-compliant equipment. And as demand increases, so will lead times. Getting ahead now gives you more control, more options, and more peace of mind.
We’ve spent decades building high-quality walk-ins, but more importantly, we’ve spent the last few years preparing for this moment. Thermo-Kool is working closely with refrigerant specialists to ensure our walk-ins are ready for the 2026 refrigeration switch, even before the deadline.
Change can be overwhelming, especially when it comes with regulatory pressure. But it can also be a huge opportunity to upgrade, to improve, and to lead.
If you have questions about your current system, future projects, or how to handle the A2L transition, we’re here to help. Our team is ready with answers, guidance, and walk-in solutions built to meet tomorrow’s standards, today.
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