Food for Thought: Flammable Freon

Claire Marie
Jun 17
1 min read

In 2025, new refrigerant rules went into place for air conditioning systems with the presumption that they are better for the environment. They are referred to as A2L refrigerants and are classified as mildly flammable. Really? Flammable?

All refrigerants are required to be classified by toxicity and flammability. A2Ls retain the same toxicity designation — non-toxic — as their predecessor (R-410A). However, the flammability has been reclassified as Class 2L (lower flammability), compared to Class 1 (no flame propagation) for R-410A.

Here's another quote from the same article:

To address the slight increase in flammability, equipment manufacturers are adding safety features to equipment, revising transportation and handling procedures, and updating installation instructions.

If they retain the same toxicity, why do we need to convert to freon that is flammable? All it does is create another set of safety issues. Who thought that was a good idea? And when will the insurance companies start taking notice and raise your rates? I'm sure the manufacturers are already feeling that.

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1 Comment

Christopher Tipton

Jun 17

My first thought is the new A2L refrigerants must provide a higher profit margin than the older non-flammible type. Possibly easier to manufacture (thus cheaper) and/or less expensive chemicals to make it. Because it's "new" they can charge more money for it. Follow the money. Occams razor.