R410A Loose Ends and Looking Forward to 2026!
2025 is quickly coming to an end and with it, contractors and distributors will be left in limbo regarding R410A equipment inventory. As of December 16, 2025, the EPA has yet to extend or make exceptions to the December 31, 2025 deadline for installing R-410A HVAC systems. This is despite EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s announcement on March 12, 2025 of reconsideration of the Technology Transition Rule which includes the HFC phaseout¹.
The EPA has acknowledged that the installation deadline should be removed yet has failed to finalize its rulemaking². The EPA closed public comments in December 2025 but is not expected to finalize changes until sometime in 2026, leaving contractors in limbo.
Industry estimates suggest that stranded R‑410A inventory could exceed $500 million nationwide². Distributors have worked aggressively to discount, consolidate, and liquidate stock, but slower‑moving equipment remains.
Contractor groups such as ACCA and distributor associations like HARDI have urged the EPA to issue enforcement discretion, allowing installation of legally manufactured R‑410A systems beyond the deadline²’ ³. This would prevent unnecessary financial losses, ensure a smoother refrigerant transition and protect contractors from penalties while serving customers responsibly.
The outlook for HVAC contractors in 2026 is cautiously optimistic. Contractors will face challenges from refrigerant transitions, tariffs, and regulatory changes, but opportunities lie in repair/service work, electrification, and improved housing market conditions.
Contractors should continue to train their employees⁴ on A2L refrigerants and emerging smart systems and new technologies to differentiate themselves. Invest in new hires if it fits in with your budget⁵.
With mortgage rates expected to trend lower in 2026, residential opportunities should rebound. Cindy Sheridan, CEO of PHCC, forecasts improved residential demand for HVAC and plumbing businesses in 2026, citing pent‑up demand from the weak housing market⁶.
Contractors who embrace refrigerant changes, efficiency standards, and service‑focused business models will be best positioned to thrive.
- https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-launches-biggest-deregulatory-action-us-history
- https://hvac-blog.acca.org/contractors-need-clarity-as-epa-reconsiders-r-410a-installation-deadline/
- https://blog.totalhomesupply.com/r410a-phaseout-update/.
- Encourage them to read the HVAC School tech tips on our home page and visit https://hvacrschool.com/.
- Ruth King calculates the revenue needed for any direct cost employee HERE.
- https://www.contractingbusiness.com/contracting-business-success/article/55331157/a2l-refrigerants-tariffs-more-what-hvac-contractors-need-to-know-for-2026.
All of us here at ACprosite wish you Happy Holidays and a healthy, prosperous New Year!
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Peter Montana, Director, ACprosite.com
pmontana@ACprosite.com
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