Transition to VRF Systems: 2026 Marks the Beginning of a New Phase for Commercial Air Conditioning

January 1, 2026, will mark a turning point for the commercial air conditioning market. From that moment, the production and import of VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems containing R-410A , a high GWP refrigerant (approximately 2,088), will be banned.

A sell-through window will allow the sale of units already placed on the market until the end of the same year, but this is only a temporary phase: the industry is now preparing for a definitive migration towards low-GWP refrigerants of the A2L class , with R-32 as the main protagonist.

This transition does not just represent a change in fluidity, but a technical and organizational transformation that involves designers, installers, maintenance workers and distributors.

From R-410A to R-32: What's New for Systems and Professionals?

The new R-32 refrigerant offers a GWP of approximately 675 , while maintaining performance similar to or better than R-410A and offering greater energy efficiency. However, the introduction of a mildly flammable gas (A2L) requires the adoption of new operating practices.

HVAC-R companies must plan this phase carefully:

• management of inventories and systems still based on R-410A;
• project and approval timelines in large commercial plants;
• selection of compatible components and new installation protocols.

Many companies are already evaluating whether to use up their remaining R-410A units or to bring forward the complete conversion to R-32 , in order to avoid delays and critical issues in the transition period.

Safety and training: priorities for 2025

The introduction of A2L refrigerants requires a thorough review of safety procedures . Flammability, although reduced, requires:

• automatic leak detection and adequate ventilation ;
• compliance with technical standards such as UNI EN 378, ASHRAE 15/34 and UL 60335;
• use of certified tools and components compatible with the new gases.

For this reason, training technicians and designers is crucial. Knowledge of the properties of A2L refrigerants and safe maintenance procedures will be essential for operating in the market.

Strategic planning and vision for the HVAC-R supply chain

In addition to the technical aspects, the transition to R-32 will have direct impacts on logistics and the supply chain.

In large-scale projects, unit availability, delivery times, and submittal approvals may overlap with the changeover period. Planning orders early and choosing the migration strategy best suited to your market therefore becomes a competitive factor.

The 2026 transition will mark the beginning of a new era for the HVAC-R industry: more sustainable, regulated, and technologically advanced. Those who anticipate the challenges will be able to transform this change into an opportunity for growth and positioning in the new commercial refrigeration and air conditioning landscape.