What the New Refrigerant Rules Mean for Your Kitchen
By the Zink equipment team
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What do the new refrigerant rules actually mean for your kitchen? In short: if you are buying a new walk-in cooling system, the refrigerant inside it is changing. Federal phase-downs under the AIM Act are pushing high-impact refrigerants like R404A out of new equipment, and the industry is moving to lower global warming potential (GWP) alternatives. Your existing systems are not affected — the rules apply to new equipment purchases — but your next walk-in decision now includes a refrigerant choice that affects installation, service, and long-term compliance.
One important caveat before the details: these rules are still shifting. Timelines, state-level restrictions, and approved applications continue to evolve, so treat any refrigerant decision as one to confirm at the time of purchase rather than something to lock in from memory.
Why Refrigerants Are Changing
The EPA is implementing a phase-down of high-impact refrigerants under the AIM Act. The practical effect for foodservice: manufacturers of walk-in refrigeration systems are transitioning new equipment to alternatives with a lower environmental footprint.
The Two Lower-Impact Options
For walk-in refrigeration, the choice typically comes down to R454A or R448A. They trade off differently:
| Feature | R454A | R448A |
|---|---|---|
| Global warming potential | Lower | Higher |
| Safety class (ASHRAE) | A2L, mildly flammable | A1, non-flammable |
| Installation complexity | More involved | Simpler |
| Approved locations | Outdoor use only* | Indoor or outdoor |
| Service requirements | A2L training needed | Widely familiar |
| State restrictions | Allowed in all states | Restricted in some states |
| Future regulatory alignment | Better aligned | More limits expected |
*Limitations vary by equipment design and local requirements.
Key Considerations
- The rules apply to new equipment purchases, not systems already in service.
- A2L refrigerants (like R454A) require trained technicians and approved components — confirm your service provider is ready before you spec one.
- Location restrictions may affect where the equipment can be placed.
- State regulations vary, which affects which refrigerants are available and advisable in your market.
Four Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Which refrigerant does this model use, and what is its environmental impact?
- Is it approved for my installation location and my state?
- Will my service company work on A2L systems?
- Does this choice keep me compliant as the regulations continue to evolve?
Talk It Through Before You Spec
Manufacturers like Kolpak are building for this transition, and the right answer depends on your facility, your service capabilities, and your state's rules. Zink Foodservice's equipment team helps operators, dealers, and consultants across its eight-state territory work through refrigerant selection before the order is placed — and you can see current walk-in systems at any of Zink's eight culinary centers. Call 800.492.7400 to start the conversation.
Questions operators ask
Do I have to replace my existing walk-in because of the new refrigerant rules?
No. The phase-down applies to new equipment purchases, not systems already in service. You can continue operating and servicing your current walk-in; the refrigerant decision arrives when you buy your next new system.
What is an A2L refrigerant, and should the "mildly flammable" label worry me?
A2L is an ASHRAE safety classification for refrigerants with low toxicity and lower flammability than fully flammable classes. Systems using A2L refrigerants like R454A are designed with approved components for safe operation, but they do require technicians with A2L training — so the practical question is service readiness, not day-to-day safety.
How do I choose between R454A and R448A for a new walk-in?
Start with where the system will live and who will service it. R454A generally offers a lower environmental footprint and better long-term regulatory alignment but has location limits and needs A2L-trained service; R448A is non-flammable and simpler to install but faces restrictions in some states and more future limits. Confirm current rules for your state at the time of purchase, since the regulatory picture is still moving.