The Ultimate A2L Refrigerant List: Pressure Charts & Requirements for 2026

Dec 17

If you are reading this in the supply house parking lot or on a job site, welcome to 2026. The "transition year" of 2025 is behind us. The manufacturing bans are largely in effect, and the A2L landscape is no longer a theoretical future—it is the standard you are working with today.

Whether you are managing "sell-through" inventory or commissioning a brand-new A2L system, you need data, not history lessons. We have compiled the ultimate A2L refrigerant list, a quick-reference A2L refrigerant pressure chart, and the specific 2026 compliance rules for your van.

Bookmark this page. You are going to need it.

  
      Refrigerant
      GWP
      Composition
      Application Status (2026)
    

  
      R-454B
      466
      R-32 / R-1234yf
      The Residential Standard: Closest pressure match to R-410A. Used by Carrier, Trane, Rheem.
    

      R-32
      675
      100% R-32
      High-Efficiency Residential: Used by Daikin & Goodman. Runs hotter/higher pressure.
    

      R-454A
      239
      R-32 / R-1234yf
      Commercial Refrigeration: New standard for supermarkets/cold storage.
    

      R-454C
      148
      R-32 / R-1234yf
      Strict GWP Zones: Ultra-low GWP for commercial refrigeration.
    

      R-410A
      2,088
      R-32 / R-125
      Legacy: Manufacturing stopped. Sell-through/repairs only.
    

A2L Refrigerant Pressure Chart (Quick Reference)

If you are commissioning a new unit today, do not assume your "muscle memory" for pressures is correct.

R-454B operates almost identically to R-410A.
R-32 operates at significantly higher pressures (approx. +10%).

Here is your field reference chart for 2026:

Quick-Reference Pressure Chart

  
      Temp (°F)
      R-410A (Legacy)
      R-454B (Standard)
      R-32 (High Press)
    

  
      32°F
      101 psig
      102 psig
      107 psig
    

      40°F
      118 psig
      119 psig
      127 psig
    

      45°F
      130 psig
      130 psig
      140 psig
    

      50°F
      142 psig
      143 psig
      154 psig
    

      95°F
      296 psig
      297 psig
      323 psig
    

      105°F
      340 psig
      341 psig
      373 psig
    

      110°F
      365 psig
      366 psig
      400 psig
    

      115°F
      390 psig
      392 psig
      429 psig
    

⚠️ Critical Tech Note: If you are working on an R-32 unit in 115°F ambient heat, look at that head pressure: 429 psig. Ensure your hoses, seals, and gauges are rated for this load. Old R-22 era hoses will fail here.

2026 Compliance: What You Can Install NOW

The rules have shifted again. Here is exactly what is legal to install as of January 1, 2026.

1. Residential Split Systems (AC & Heat Pump)

Status: Manufacturing Ban is in Effect.
The "Sell-Through" Reality: While manufacturers stopped building R-410A units last year (Jan 1, 2025), you ARE allowed to install existing R-410A inventory in 2026. The EPA paused the "installation ban" to prevent stranded inventory.
The Catch: Once your supplier runs out of pre-2025 R-410A condensers, that's it. You must switch to A2L (R-454B/R-32) for all new installs.

2. Commercial VRF Systems (Variable Refrigerant Flow)

Status: Manufacturing Ban Just Started (Jan 1, 2026).
The Timeline: Manufacturers can no longer build high-GWP VRF units as of today.
The Install Deadline: You generally have until January 1, 2027, to install any remaining R-410A VRF stock. If you have a large commercial project, you are on the clock.

3. Commercial Refrigeration (Supermarkets/Remote Condensers)

Status: Hard Installation Ban is HERE.
The Rule: As of January 1, 2026, most new commercial refrigeration systems (depending on size/type) cannot be installed if they use high-GWP refrigerants like R-404A or R-448A.
The Reality: If you are quoting a walk-in cooler or supermarket rack today, it must be an A2L (R-454A/C) or CO2 system.

The 2026 Van Checklist: The New Standard

In 2025, these tools were "recommended." In 2026, they are effectively mandatory for compliance and safety.

[ ] Left-Handed Tank Adapters: All A2L cylinders use CGA 166 (Left-Handed) valves. You cannot charge a system without this adapter.
[ ] Spark-Proof Vacuum Pump: Your pump must be rated for A2L. Using an old brushed-motor pump in an A2L zone is a major safety violation.
[ ] A2L Recovery Cylinder: Gray Body / Red Band. You cannot recover R-454B into your old generic recovery tank.
[ ] Fire Extinguisher: A dry-powder extinguisher is required on the truck by DOT regulations when transporting flammable refrigerants.
[ ] Calibration Check: Ensure your digital manifold is updated with the latest P/T charts for R-454A and R-454C if you do commercial work.

Summary

The "transition" is technically over—we are now in the A2L era.

For residential techs, 2026 is the year you burn through the last of the R-410A stock and fully embrace R-454B/R-32. For commercial techs, the deadlines for VRF and refrigeration are hitting hard right now. Use this A2L refrigerant list and pressure chart to keep your truck stocked and your installs compliant.

Erik Trujillo