Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Restrictions on the Use of HFCs Under the AIM Act in Variable Refrigerant Flow Air Conditioning Subsector

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is amending a provision of the 2023 Technology Transitions regulations promulgated under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This action provides until January 1, 2027, for the installation of certain new variable refrigerant flow air conditioning and heat pump systems which use components manufactured in the United States or imported into the United States prior to January 1, 2026. This action also provides until January 1, 2028, for the installation of certain new variable refrigerant flow air conditioning and heat pump systems if a building permit that approves the use of a hydrofluorocarbon or blend containing a hydrofluorocarbon in such a system was issued prior to October 5, 2023, provided that the system uses components manufactured in the United States or imported into the United States prior to January 1, 2026. This action will mitigate the potential for stranded inventory of variable refrigerant flow systems.