At the 2026 AHR Expo, industry leaders didn’t just display new equipment — they also addressed evolving HVACR standards, codes, and regulatory expectations that will shape how systems are designed, built, installed, and operated over the next several years. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key standards-related topics highlighted at AHR 2026:
1. A2L Refrigerant Transition & Codes
One of the most discussed standards and regulatory topics at AHR 2026 was the ongoing transition to low-GWP, mildly flammable A2L refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B:
• Educational sessions covered the status of federal and state refrigerant policies including implementation of the U.S. AIM Act and how state building codes are adapting to allow A2L refrigerants.
• Panelists from AHRI and regulators spoke about how model codes and safety standards (ASHRAE 15, UL 60335-2-40 for air-conditioning/refrigeration equipment, and UL 60335-2-89 for commercial refrigeration) now explicitly incorporate A2L safety requirements for mechanical, electrical, and refrigerant safety features.
What this means in practice:
The industry is aligning on requirements such as refrigerant charge limits, leak detection, ventilation, equipment labeling and safety controls to safely support A2L refrigerants — and these are now being reflected in building codes and standards referenced by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). 
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2. Revised Test Procedures and Efficiency Standards
Standards that define how HVAC equipment must be tested and rated are evolving:
• The DOE’s updated test procedure (M1), which underlies metrics such as SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2, was highlighted as an important shift to better reflect performance of modern variable-speed systems.
• These updates help ensure equipment meets real-world performance and energy efficiency levels required by current federal efficiency regulations and incentive programs.
This shift is influencing how manufacturers redesign equipment and how contractors specify systems to comply with both code minimum efficiency and rebate/credit requirements.
3. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Performance-Based Ventilation Standards
AHR Expo 2026 also showcased advances in ventilation standards and tools that support compliance with ventilation and IAQ standards such as:
• ASHRAE Standard 62.1 for indoor air quality — including vendor solutions that help automate and implement performance-based ventilation approaches.
These developments are increasingly important as building standards evolve to emphasize occupant health along with energy performance.
4. Sustainability and Lifecycle Standards
While not a single standard, sustainability commitments were a significant part of the standards discussion:
• Companies such as Rheem announced long-term sustainability roadmaps tied to GHG emissions, waste reduction, material recycling, and contractor training — setting internal goals that often exceed current codes and anticipate future standards.
Manufacturers are using these commitments to influence product specifications and expectations for environmental and lifecycle performance beyond traditional efficiency metrics.
5. Emerging Regulatory & Code Themes
Across sessions and trend discussions at AHR 2026:
• State code updates continue to lag or lead at different paces, especially for A2L and electrification measures.
• An increasing focus on integrated building performance — where HVAC systems connect with grid and energy storage standards — signals where future performance standards may go.
Summary: What AHR 2026 Showed About HVACR Standards
| Topic | Key Standard/Code Focus |
| A2L Refrigerants | ASHRAE 15, UL 60335-2-40, UL 60335-2-89 integrated into building codes |
| Energy Efficiency | DOE M1 test procedure, SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 alignment |
| IAQ/Ventilation | ASHRAE 62.1 performance-based ventilation tools |
| Sustainability Trends | Corporate sustainability targets influencing future expectations |
| System Integration | Emerging discussions about smart building and grid-responsive standards |
Fuzhou Zhenxie Pipe Co., Ltd. (SCOTTFRIO) showcased at AHR Expo 2026 are meeting A2L requirements:
1. Nature of Their Products
Fuzhou Zhenxie/SCOTTFRIO primarily produces copper tube, brass fittings, branch pipes, Y-joints, ball valves, braze-free connectors, etc. used in HVAC/Refrigeration piping systems.
These components are standard materials (copper & brass) used in HVAC systems — including VRF and refrigeration lines — and by material they are generally compatible with A2L refrigerants because:
• Copper and brass are chemically compatible with low-GWP A2L refrigerants (e.g., R-32, R-454B) in typical HVAC service; they do not degrade or react adversely simply due to the refrigerant chemistry.
• Many industries continue to use copper/brass in A2L systems because the metal properties do not inherently conflict with the refrigerant itself.
However, compatibility and certification/compliance are not the same thing.
🔎 2. A2L Standards and Component Requirements
Being used in an A2L system under updated codes (ASHRAE, UL 60335-2-40, UL 60335-2-89, etc.) and meeting A2L standards typically involves:
✅ Listed or certified components — parts must be tested and certified for use in A2L equipment (especially pressure-containing parts, valves, leak detection, etc.).
✅ Proper pressure ratings — components must safely handle system working pressures typical of A2L refrigerants systems.
✅ Installation procedures — brazed or listed mechanical joints per equipment manufacturer instructions.
Simply being copper/brass and physically compatible does not mean a given fitting is certified for use in an A2L-rated system unless it has undergone the appropriate testing and listing to certifying standards (e.g., UL/ANSI/ASHRAE component listings).
❗ 3. What We Do Not Have Public Evidence For
There is no clear public info from SCOTTFRIO or Zhenxie about:
🔹 Specific A2L certification on their products (e.g., UL 60335-2-40 component listings)
🔹 Statements from the company that their fittings are A2L-rated
🔹 Third-party A2L compliance testing for branch pipes or fitting lines
Based on the information available, their catalog lists general copper/brass HVAC parts, but no verified A2L certification or listing is publicly shown in those typical product descriptions.
So What Does That Mean for A2L?
Here’s a concise conclusion:
✅ Likely compatible material:
Copper and brass used by Zhenxie/SCOTTFRIO can be used with A2L refrigerants in principle because the metals do not chemically react with those refrigerants.
❌ Not necessarily A2L-certified:
Unless they (or their customers) specifically test and list each fitting or valve under relevant A2L component standards, you cannot assume the products are officially approved for use in A2L systems just because they are HVAC fittings.
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What You Should Do for A2L Systems
If you plan to use their products in an A2L-rated system:
1.Check product certification with SCOTTFRIO directly — ask for documentation showing compliance with relevant standards (e.g., UL/ANSI/ASHRAE).
2.Use parts listed by the OEM when possible — many HVAC manufacturers specify A2L-rated fittings for systems designed around A2L refrigerants.
3.Make sure installation (brazing, torque, brazing alloy, leak testing) follows code requirements for A2L systems.
A2L itself (ASHRAE 34 classification) does NOT directly require different copper or brass fittings.
However, the safety standards and codes governing A2L systems (UL 60335-2-40, UL 60335-2-89, ASHRAE 15, and model building codes) do impose requirements that affect how fittings are selected and installed.
Here’s what matters for copper/brass components:
1️⃣ Material Compatibility
For common A2L refrigerants (R-32, R-454B, R-454C, etc.):
• Copper tubing is fully compatible
• Brass fittings/valves are compatible
• No new alloy requirement specific to A2L
From a chemical standpoint, A2Ls behave similarly to R-410A in copper/brass systems.
✅ No “special A2L copper” is required.
2️⃣ Joint Integrity Requirements (More Important Than Material)
Because A2Ls are mildly flammable, systems must minimize leak risk.
This means:
✔ Brazed joints are still strongly preferred
Field joints must:
• Meet pressure rating requirements
• Be properly brazed using approved procedures
• Follow manufacturer installation instructions
Scottfrio brazed joints and fittings
✔ Mechanical fittings
Mechanical braze-free fittings:
• Must be listed and rated for refrigerant service
• Must be approved by the equipment manufacturer
• Must meet applicable UL/CSA standards
Not all generic plumbing press fittings are acceptable.
Scottfrio Braze-free fittings
3️⃣ Pressure Ratings
Many A2L refrigerants operate at pressures similar to or slightly higher than R-410A.
So fittings must:
• Be rated for the system’s maximum working pressure
• Meet ASME B16 standards where applicable
• Comply with UL equipment listing
This is not new — but enforcement is stricter under the new codes.
4️⃣ Leak Reduction & Charge Limits
Because A2Ls are mildly flammable:
• Systems have maximum allowable refrigerant charge limits
• Leak mitigation systems may be required
Installations must avoid concealed joints where possible (depending on local code)
So while copper/brass materials don’t change, installation practices matter more.
5️⃣ Labeling & Identification
A2L systems require:
• Refrigerant identification labeling
• Warning labels on components
• Proper service valve marking
Fittings themselves typically do not require special labeling — but components like service valves may.
Summary for Copper/Brass Manufacturers & Installers
| Area | A2L Impact |
| Copper tube | No material change |
| Brass fittings | No material change |
| Brazing | Must follow approved procedures |
| Press fittings | Must be UL-listed for refrigerant use |
| Pressure rating | Must meet system MWP |
| Installation | Stricter leak control requirements |
Table of Contents >
- 1. 1. A2L Refrigerant Transition & Codes
- 2. 2. Revised Test Procedures and Efficiency Standards
- 3. 3. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Performance-Based Ventilation Standards
- 4. 4. Sustainability and Lifecycle Standards
- 5. 5. Emerging Regulatory & Code Themes
- 6. Summary: What AHR 2026 Showed About HVACR Standards
- 7. Fuzhou Zhenxie Pipe Co., Ltd. (SCOTTFRIO) showcased at AHR Expo 2026 are meeting A2L requirements:
- 8. So What Does That Mean for A2L?
- 9. What You Should Do for A2L Systems
- 10. Summary for Copper/Brass Manufacturers & Installers