EPA Eases HFC Rules for Older Refrigeration Equipment
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Semiconductor Chillers Compliance Delay
The compliance date for certain chillers used for industrial process refrigeration (IPR) and certain IPR equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing is moved to January 1, 2030 (from January 1, 2026 or January 1, 2028, as applicable). This gives semiconductor facilities more time before the restriction applies.
Higher GWP Cap for Remote Condensing Units Until 2032
The global warming potential (GWP) limit for retail food remote condensing units is changed to 1,400 until January 1, 2032, and will revert to either 150 or 300 (depending on charge size or cascade-system role) starting January 1, 2032. This allows retailers more flexibility to use equipment with higher-GWP refrigerants until 2032.
Supermarket Systems GWP Relaxed Until 2032
The GWP limit for supermarket refrigeration systems is set to 1,400 until January 1, 2032, then will be either 150 or 300 (depending on charge size or if part of a cascade) starting January 1, 2032. Supermarkets can use higher-GWP refrigerants until 2032 under this final rule.
Cold Storage Warehouse GWP Raised Until 2032
The GWP limit for cold storage warehouses is changed to 700 until January 1, 2032, and then will be either 150 or 300 (depending on charge size or cascade-system role) starting January 1, 2032. This gives cold storage operators more time to use equipment with higher-GWP refrigerants.
Preventing Stranded Residential AC Inventory
The rule removes the installation deadline for residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems when all specified components were manufactured in or imported into the United States before January 1, 2025. This lets equipment made before January 1, 2025 continue to be installed and prevents stranded inventory.
Higher Temperature Threshold for Refrigerated Containers
The rule raises the lower-bound temperature exclusion for refrigerated intermodal containers from -50°C to -35°C and changes where that temperature is measured to the inside of the container (box temperature). This change affects businesses that use refrigerated shipping containers for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals and takes effect with the final rule that is effective July 27, 2026.
Allow 15% Supermarket Capacity Increase
Supermarket systems may increase system cooling capacity up to 15% (previously 0%) compared to the original installed capacity without that increase being considered a new system installation. This change applies to supermarket refrigeration systems under 40 CFR 84.54(e)(2).
Laboratory Refrigeration Compliance Delay
The compliance date for refrigerated laboratory centrifuges and laboratory shakers is moved from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028. This gives affected laboratory equipment users and manufacturers additional time to comply.
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