Year-End Update: Codes, Refrigerants, and Local Policy Considerations
As we close out the year, we wanted to share a brief update on several regulatory and industry changes that may affect projects moving into the new year. These include the upcoming energy code cycle, the ongoing transition to A2L refrigerants, and recent developments related to electrification requirements in Los Angeles.
Our goal is to help clients stay informed and avoid surprises as projects move through design and permitting.
Energy Code Cycle Effective January 1
As with prior cycles, the next California energy code takes effect on January 1 and is generally adopted by the jurisdictions we work in, including the City of Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
These updates can influence system selection, compliance documentation, and design assumptions—particularly for projects that are permitted near the end of the year or early in the next. Early confirmation of the applicable code cycle can help reduce rework during plan check.
A2L Refrigerants and the Phase-Down of R-410A
The HVAC industry continues its transition away from high-GWP refrigerants such as R-410A, driven by federal phasedown requirements under the AIM Act and related code and safety standard updates.
Key considerations:
New HVAC equipment is increasingly designed around A2L refrigerants, which have lower global warming potential and additional safety requirements.
Availability of R-410A equipment continues to decline, making it difficult to rely on as a basis of design for new projects.
While some jurisdictions may allow installation of R-410A equipment if it is available, supply constraints make early coordination critical.
For most new designs, planning around A2L-compliant equipment is becoming the practical and forward-looking approach.
Los Angeles All-Electric Ordinance — Current Status
The City of Los Angeles previously adopted an ordinance requiring most new buildings to be all-electric. However, that ordinance is currently on hold, and enforcement has been stayed.
As a result, we have been designing projects that utilize gas systems where appropriate, consistent with current City direction and permitting practice. Until further guidance or replacement ordinances are issued, this reflects the status quo for projects in design and permitting.
As always, local interpretation can vary by project type and scope, so early coordination remains important.
We’re Here to Support You
Regulatory changes—whether related to energy codes, refrigerants, or local policy—can affect schedules, budgets, and design decisions if they surface late in the process. Our role is to help identify these issues early and guide projects through them efficiently.
If you have questions about how any of these items may impact an active or upcoming project, we’re happy to discuss options and considerations.
We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and wish you a smooth close to the year and a successful start to the next.
— Lewis Ross Associates, Inc.
References & Resources
California Energy Commission – Building Energy Efficiency Standards
https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety – Code Updates & Bulletins
https://www.ladbs.org/services/core-services/code-updates
U.S. EPA – AIM Act & HFC Phase-Down
https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction
AHRI – Low-GWP & A2L Refrigerant Transition Resources
https://www.ahrinet.org/industry-issues/low-gwp-refrigerants
City of Los Angeles Ordinance No. 187,714 (All-Electric Buildings)
https://cityclerk.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2022/22-0151_ord_187714_1-23-23.pdf