As the HVACR industry shifts to A2L refrigerants, ACCA is working to ensure contractors are trained and properly equipped to be able to safely handle A2L refrigerants.

HFCs such as R-410A and R-404A are being phased out as soon as January 2025 in favor of new, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lower-GWP refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B.

Unlike the last refrigerant transition, which shifted from the use of one nonflammable refrigerant to another, many of these new refrigerants are mildly flammable (A2L), requiring additional training to use them safely.

To ensure contractors receive the training they need to be safe with these new refrigerants,  ACCA has developed a free on-demand A2L refrigerant training for ACCA members and their entire teams. Non-members may purchase the course for a nominal fee.

Since the beginning of 2024, ACCA’s A2L course has reached over 2,000 contractors who have signed up to take the training.

To reach a wider audience of HVACR professionals, the course is available in both English and Spanish. The course is designed for technicians who have their 608 certification with a basic understanding of the refrigerant cycle.

The current A2L training is available as a self-paced on-demand course. To expand the course to an even greater audience, ACCA will soon start offering a monthly live virtual course beginning in October. During this course, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions live during the presentation. After the training, students will have access to the recording and final assessment to earn their certification and digital badge that can be shared on social networks.

ACCA’s A2L program was developed based on the ASHRAE Standards 15 (2019), 15.2 (2022), and 34 (2019) and UL Safety Standards 60335-2-40 (2019), and 60335-2-89 (2019), which provides an introduction to the new refrigerant, instruction on how to handle it safely, and reviews tools that will be needed to work on equipment with A2L refrigerants.

The ACCA – A2L Refrigerant Safety Course Outline (2023) is divided into five modules. Each module is divided into sections that delve deeper into the respective topics, providing comprehensive knowledge about A2L refrigerants.

“Our purpose here at ACCA is to focus on improving the quality of contractor members’ lives and the professionalism of the HVAC industry,” said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. “Ensuring our contractors are armed with the information they need to be safe on the jobsite is a key part of how we live out that purpose as an association.”

Manufacturers are prohibited from producing equipment using R-410A on or after January 1, 2025. Current regulations allow the installation of R-410A split systems up to January 1, 2026. R-410A packaged systems, or those where the refrigerant systems are factory-completed, will be eligible for sale up to three years after January 1, 2025.

ACCA recognizes the support of Arkema, Chemours, Honeywell, and Worthington Industries for their contributions to the course and the materials. ACCA is dedicated to making sure that all industry professionals have the most updated information and training to keep themselves and their customers safe.

For more information about ACCA’s comprehensive A2L training, visit acca.org/a2ltraining. Contractors who are interested in accessing the training for free can join as a member.