Refrigerant GWP Chart 2026: Complete Reference Guide

Global warming potential values determine which refrigerants can be used in HVAC systems and when they’ll be phased out. This comprehensive refrigerant GWP chart provides the essential reference data HVAC professionals, building engineers, and compliance officers need for equipment selection and regulatory planning in 2026.

Refrigerant GWP (Global Warming Potential) measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over 100 years relative to CO2, which has a GWP of 1.

This guide consolidates all critical refrigerant data including GWP values, safety classifications, applications, and regulatory status to help you make informed decisions about equipment purchases, retrofits, and compliance planning. I’ve compiled data from EPA, CARB, ASHRAE, and IPCC sources to create the most comprehensive reference available.

What is Global Warming Potential (GWP)?

Global Warming Potential is a standardized measure that quantifies how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period compared to carbon dioxide. The 100-year time horizon is most commonly used for refrigerants, providing a consistent basis for comparison across different compounds.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) establishes these values through AR5 and AR6 assessment reports. Understanding GWP is crucial because it directly impacts equipment selection, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational planning. High-GWP refrigerants face increasing restrictions and phase-out schedules, making low-GWP alternatives essential for future-proofing HVAC systems.

Time horizons matter because they affect the relative impact of different gases. The 20-year GWP emphasizes short-term climate effects, while the 100-year GWP provides a more comprehensive long-term perspective. Most regulatory frameworks use the 100-year values for consistency, but both measurements are important for understanding environmental impact.

Complete Refrigerant GWP Chart 2026

This comprehensive refrigerant GWP chart includes all major refrigerants used in HVAC and refrigeration applications, organized by family and regulatory status. Values are based on IPCC AR5/AR6 assessments and reflect current regulatory classifications as of 2026.

Refrigerant	Type	Safety Class	GWP (100-year)	GWP (20-year)	Applications	Regulatory Status
R-22	HCFC	A1	1,810	N/A	Legacy residential/commercial AC	Phase-out completed
R-410A	HFC Blend	A1	2,088	4,705	Residential/commercial AC, heat pumps	Phase-out starts 2026
R-32	HFC	A2L	675	2,620	Residential AC, heat pumps	Low-GWP alternative
R-454B	HFC/HFO Blend	A2L	466	1,806	Residential/commercial AC	R-410A replacement
R-404A	HFC Blend	A1	3,922	7,258	Commercial refrigeration	High-GWP being replaced
R-134a	HFC	A1	1,430	4,060	Automotive AC, medium-temp refrigeration	Regulated, limited use
R-1234yf	HFO	A2L	4	N/A	Automotive AC	Ultra-low GWP
R-290 (Propane)	Natural	A3	3	N/A	Small appliances, commercial equipment	Natural refrigerant
R-717 (Ammonia)	Natural	B2	0	N/A	Industrial refrigeration	Natural refrigerant
R-744 (CO2)	Natural	A1	1	N/A	Commercial refrigeration, heat pumps	Natural refrigerant
R-407C	HFC Blend	A1	1,774	4,411	AC systems, R-22 replacement	Common retrofit option
R-449A (Opteon XP40)	HFC/HFO Blend	A1	1,397	3,358	Commercial refrigeration	R-404A replacement
R-23	HFC	A1	14,800	N/A	Low-temperature refrigeration	Very high GWP
R-507	HFC Blend	A1	3,985	N/A	Commercial refrigeration	High-GWP being replaced
R-407F	HFC Blend	A1	1,824	N/A	Commercial refrigeration	Medium-GWP
R-438A	HFC Blend	A1	2,080	N/A	R-22 replacement	High-GWP
R-422D	HFC Blend	A1	1,880	N/A	R-22 replacement	High-GWP
R-1234ze	HFO	A2L	6	N/A	Chillers, heat pumps	Ultra-low GWP
R-600a (Isobutane)	Natural	A3	3	N/A	Domestic refrigeration	Natural refrigerant
R-1270 (Propylene)	Natural	A3	2	N/A	Industrial applications	Natural refrigerant

2026 Refrigerant Phase-Out Schedule

The AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act) drives the most significant refrigerant transition in HVAC history. Starting January 1, 2026, major phase-out requirements take effect, impacting equipment manufacturing, service practices, and inventory management. Understanding these deadlines is critical for business planning and compliance.

Key Regulatory Frameworks

EPA AIM Act Implementation: The Environmental Protection Agency implements the AIM Act through phased HFC reductions. By 2036, HFC production and import must decrease by 85% below baseline levels. This drives the transition to low-GWP alternatives across all sectors.

CARB Refrigerant Management Program: California leads with stricter requirements and earlier implementation dates. CARB’s program restricts high-GWP refrigerants (GWP > 150) in new equipment starting in 2026, with more aggressive timelines than federal requirements.

ASHRAE Standards: Standard 15 and Standard 34 provide safety classifications and application guidelines for new refrigerants. These standards ensure safe handling and use of mildly flammable A2L refrigerants replacing traditional HFCs.

Phase-Out Schedule by Refrigerant Type

1. 2025 Major Changes:
   • R-410A equipment production phase-out begins
   • New high-GWP restrictions for commercial refrigeration
   • A2L safety training requirements mandatory
2. 2027 Milestones:
   • 40% HFC reduction target achieved
   • Widespread R-32 and R-454B adoption
   • R-404A phase-out accelerated
3. 2030 Intermediate Goals:
   • 70% HFC reduction requirements
   • Low-GWP refrigerants become standard
   • Natural refrigerant adoption increases
4. 2036 Final Targets:
   • 85% total HFC reduction achieved
   • High-GWP refrigerants largely eliminated
   • Sustainable refrigerant systems standard

Practical Applications & Equipment Impact

The refrigerant transition affects different equipment categories differently. Understanding these impacts helps with planning equipment purchases, retrofit decisions, and customer communications. I’ve worked with HVAC contractors who report transition costs 30-50% higher than initially expected when proper planning isn’t done.

Residential HVAC Systems

Residential air conditioners and heat pumps face the most immediate impact with the R-410A phase-out. New systems in 2026 primarily use R-32 (GWP 675) or R-454B (GWP 466) as direct replacements. These offer 5-15% efficiency improvements but require professional HVAC gauges rated for A2L refrigerants.

System costs typically increase 10-15% for new low-GWP equipment. However, energy savings of $200-500 annually offset these costs over 5-7 years. Retrofitting existing R-410A systems isn’t practical – complete replacement is required when systems fail.

Commercial HVAC

Commercial systems have more flexibility with varied refrigerant options. R-410A replacements include R-32 for smaller systems and HFO blends for larger applications. Many manufacturers offer energy efficient air conditioners optimized for new refrigerants.

The transition timing varies by system size and application. Larger commercial systems have until 2030 for compliance, but planning must begin now to avoid supply chain disruptions. Budget planning should include equipment costs, technician training, and potential service increases.

Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration faces the most dramatic changes with R-404A (GWP 3,922) phase-out. Replacements include HFO blends like R-449A and natural refrigerants like CO2. These transitions often require system redesign rather than simple refrigerant changes.

Supermarket systems typically transition to CO2 cascade systems, which offer zero GWP but require significant equipment changes. Smaller commercial systems can use drop-in HFO replacements with minimal modifications. Budget planning should account for potentially higher transition costs in this sector.

Safety Considerations

New A2L refrigerants require enhanced safety protocols and specialized training. While mildly flammable, they’re safe when handled properly. Key requirements include leak detection systems, proper ventilation, and specific charging procedures. Technicians need EPA 608 certification updates for A2L handling.

Building code compliance may require additional safety measures for A2L systems, including refrigerant detection alarms and enhanced ventilation in equipment rooms. These requirements vary by jurisdiction and building type, so local compliance checks are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

The refrigerant GWP landscape is changing rapidly with the 2026 phase-out deadlines approaching. Based on my experience helping HVAC companies navigate these transitions, proper planning and budgeting are essential for avoiding supply disruptions and compliance issues.

For Residential Applications: Plan for R-32 or R-454B replacements when R-410A systems fail. Budget 10-15% more for new equipment but expect 5-15% efficiency improvements. Ensure technicians are trained on A2L safety protocols.

For Commercial Applications: Develop phased transition plans aligned with regulatory deadlines. Consider natural refrigerant options for new installations despite higher initial costs. Include training and compliance in budget planning.

For Service Companies: Invest in A2L-certified equipment and training now to avoid rush costs closer to deadlines. Develop clear customer communication strategies for explaining the transition and cost impacts.

The transition to low-GWP refrigerants represents both challenges and opportunities. Companies that plan ahead and embrace the changes will position themselves for success in the evolving HVAC landscape of 2026 and beyond.