How Norlake Is Leading the Charge on Refrigerant Compliance

The refrigeration industry is facing a monumental shift, and the clock is ticking. By January 1, 2026, all new remote refrigeration systems installed in the United States must use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) below 300. This change is driven by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, a federal regulation reshaping the future of refrigerant use.

If you’re specifying refrigeration systems for upcoming projects, the time to adapt is now or risk costly delays, change orders, and regulatory pushback.

What Is the AIM Act?

Enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2020, the AIM Act mandates an 85% phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2036. HFCs, long used in commercial refrigeration, are potent greenhouse gases with high GWPs.

One of the most immediate implications of the AIM Act is that starting in 2026, new remote systems must use refrigerants with a GWP under 300. Common refrigerants like R-404A, R-407A, and R-449A will no longer be permissible for these applications.

What This Means for Your Projects

If your current specs or bid documents include legacy HFC refrigerants, you may already be behind.

Here’s what’s at stake if you don’t adapt in time:

• Delays: Systems using banned refrigerants can’t be installed beginning 1/1/2026.
• Change orders: Swapping in compliant refrigerants later can mean extensive redesigns.
• Cost increases: Late-stage changes often mean rework, revised quotes, and installation setbacks.
• Regulatory risk: Non-compliant systems can be rejected.

Future-proof your projects today by specifying low-GWP refrigerants such as A2Ls (i.e.  R-454A, R-454C) or CO₂, all of which comply with the upcoming federal mandates.

What Are A2L Refrigerants?

As manufacturers search for compliant alternatives, A2L refrigerants have emerged as a go-to solution for many remote systems.

Defined by ASHRAE, A2L is a refrigerant classification that balances performance with safety:

• A = Lower Toxicity: Minimal health risk under normal conditions.
• 2L = Mildly Flammable: Low burning velocity, meaning A2Ls are difficult to ignite, and they burn slowly, providing safer operation with proper system design.

Refrigerants like R-454A and R-454C fall under this category, offering an effective bridge to compliance while minimizing system design changes.

Learn more about refrigerants and compliance here.

How Norlake Has Responded to the AIM Act

Norlake anticipated these changes and built a roadmap accordingly. Rather than rely on a single refrigerant or retrofit approach, they’ve developed a multi-path strategy tailored to different applications.

R290 for Self-Contained Systems

Norlake fully adopted R290 for self-contained units, even securing a patented implementation. R290 offers:

• Excellent efficiency
• Lower environmental impact
• Greater cost savings vs. R-449A

Read more: R290 Refrigerant Benefits

A2L Refrigerants for Remote Systems

Norlake’s engineering teams have worked extensively to design and test A2L-based systems, and are actively quoting A2L solutions for 2026 installations and beyond.

CO₂ for Large-Scale Applications

For large or specialty systems, CO₂ (R-744) is another low-GWP option. Benefits of CO2 include:

• It’s a natural refrigerant with zero ozone depletion
• It’s ideal for certain high-performance or large-capacity systems
• It’s a bit more complex and costly to implement upfront, but it may be necessary for certain applications

Norlake’s Refrigeration Regulation Roadmap

Norlake is already operating ahead of federal deadlines. While many manufacturers are still developing solutions, Norlake is already quoting and delivering compliant systems today. Whether you’re specifying equipment for grocery chains, C-stores, or foodservice establishments, Norlake’s product lines are engineered with compliance—and your timeline—in mind.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 refrigerant compliance deadline is coming fast and can pose risks to design and procurement. The refrigerant you choose now determines whether your project will be ready to install, or stalled, when the law takes effect.

Norlake is ready.

• Actively quoting compliant A2L and R290 systems now
• Supporting consultants with in-depth knowledge and product fit
• Helping clients navigate change with confidence, not chaos

Contact Norlake today to learn more.

Norlake is the trusted partner of choice in cold storage solutions. Ensure the safety of your food assets with refrigeration solutions from a partner dedicated to your success – from seamless installation to long-term support. Our products are engineered using proven components and advanced construction techniques to ensure durability, long-lasting performance, and regulatory compliance.