EPA Proposes Delay of VRF Install Date by One Year, Maintains Manufacture Cut-off

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a pre-publication version of a proposed rule amending the 2023 Technology Transition Rule to delay the installation deadline for VRF systems using high-GWP refrigerants by one year to January 1, 2027. For high-GWP systems installed in 2026, after the initial deadline released by EPA, the equipment must be manufactured or imported before January 1, 2026.

This rule change is consistent with the change provided for residential and light commercial split-system air conditioners and heat pumps. Read HARDI’s update on the residential and light commercial delay here.

EPA defines VRF as:

1. The compressor must have 3 variable capacities.

2. There must be more than one evaporator on the refrigerant circuit.

3. Air-source VRF systems must be at least 65,000 BTU in size.

Any high-GWP equipment manufactured or imported after 1/1/26 can only be used to service existing systems, and any equipment sold after 1/1/27 can only be used to service existing systems. EPA provided this delay in order to avoid stranded inventory.

Want to be sure you understand the complex installation and manufacture dates? Take HARDI’s A2L Transition Course in HEAT.u to ensure you and your team are complying with these complex transition regulations.