Legislation

HVAC Refridgerant

Due to their direct impact on climate change, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act has mandated 85% phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), like R-410A, by 2036. This means the industry will shift toward next generation, environmentally-friendly refrigerants. 

How This Affects You:

• Current Equipment: You can continue using existing HVAC equipment until the end of its lifespan, but R-410A availability will decline as the industry transitions to A2L refrigerants. These new refrigerants are non-toxic, have low flammability, and meet Global Warming Potential standards.
• Training: To stay ahead, consider Lowe’s Pro Academy’s Low GWP Refrigerant Certification.

Key Deadlines: 

• Split Systems: Manufacturing of non-A2L systems stops on January 1, 2025, with installations prohibited after January 1, 2026.
• Packaged Systems: Manufacturing ends January 1, 2025, but sales can continue until January 1, 2028.

Next Steps: 

New A2L-compliant systems will be available in late 2024. Lowe’s Pro Supply is here to guide you through this transition, working closely with manufacturers to ensure the availability of new refrigerants, parts and equipment.

Lowe’s Pro Supply has the products and training you need to keep your properties compliant. Stay informed and prepared as we navigate these essential changes together.

Quick Links:

• Energy Code of Federal Regulations

• Air-Cooled Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps 

Michigan Filter First Law

New and amended laws in Michigan regarding water filtering in schools and childcare centers.

Timeline

• Schools and child care centers complete a Drinking Water Management Plan by January 24, 2025.
• Child care centers ensure that any water furnished to children is from a filtered source by October 24, 2025.
• Schools have approved filters on all consumptive fixtures by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
• Schools and child care centers begin ongoing sampling and certify compliance with requirements once filters are installed. Schools must sample annually, and child care centers must sample every two years.

Quick Links:

• Michigan Filter First Information Page

• Filter First Guidance Document

Smoke Alarm/Combo UL Stanards 

An update to the UL standard will go into effect June 30, 2024 for all manufacturers of smoke and combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Alarms produced after this date must be compliant to the performance requirements as specified in the UL 217 8th edition Standard for Safety for Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms. Alarms manufactured prior to the transition date can continue to be installed in compliance with local building code requirements and job site specifications.

Maryland Issues New Plumbing Standards With HB0772

Residential Fixtures:

• Kitchen faucet 2.2/1.8 gpm or lower
• Bathroom Lav faucet 1.5gpm of lower
• Showerhead / new construction shower valves 2.0gpm
• Toilets 1.28gpf or lower
• Dual flush HET toilets are allowed – example 1.6/1.1gpm

Commercial / Public restrooms:

• Bathroom Lav faucet 0.5gpm – goes to meter and touch free, sensor faucets
• Toilets – top spud (floor or wall) 1.28gpf or lower
• Urinals – 0.5gpf
• Note, toilet and urinal fixture must align (match) flushometer type (manual or sensor)