Restrictions on small cans of refrigerant

About the law

In response to national policy, manufacturers have already started moving away from high-GWP refrigerants. Washington law prohibits cans with refrigerants that have a global warming potential (GWP) of 150 or above. GWP measures how much heat greenhouse gases trap in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide. This rule applies to commonly used hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, such as R-134a.

Businesses can still sell, distribute, or offer for sale a small can of refrigerant with a GWP below 150. For example, cans of R-1234yf are still available for purchase as these cans have a GWP below 150.

Compliance for businesses and consumers

Here's how you can comply with the restriction:

• Businesses: Make sure the refrigerant you sell has a GWP below 150.
• Consumers: Get your system repaired by an EPA-certified mechanic.

Understanding small cans

People commonly use small cans of refrigerant, often referred to as motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) cans, to refill leaky air conditioning systems in cars and trucks. However, unless the whole system is repaired, the refrigerant will leak out again.

Many MVAC cans contain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases that can be thousands of times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Since 1994, the most common refrigerant used in MVAC systems has been HFC-134a, or R-134a. Releasing just one 16 oz can is like adding 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air, the same impact as driving about 1,500 miles in a gas-powered car or burning 650 pounds of coal!

Starting in 2026, MVAC systems in all newly manufactured passenger vehicles in the United States will no longer use 134a. Owners with MVAC systems containing 134a (most vehicles model 1994-2020, and some vehicles model 2021-2025) will need to take their vehicle to EPA Section 609 certified mechanics.

Small cans defined

MVAC cans are small cans of refrigerants that:

• Contain more than two ounces but less than two pounds of refrigerant.
• Are designed to recharge MVAC systems in vehicles.

Changes for consumers

Washington consumers may still purchase low-GWP MVAC cans of R-1234yf. This refrigerant is not interchangeable with R-134a. If the cans are mixed the MVAC system may be damaged, and this may be hazardous to vehicle passengers and service technicians.

Washington law requires self-sealing values on all MVAC cans sold in the U.S. These cans automatically seal any remaining refrigerant in the can following the use of the can.

Repairing vehicle A/C systems

In the past, people used MVAC cans to recharge their vehicle’s A/C system at home. Since the law restricts the sale, purchase or offer for sale of high-GWP MVAC cans, this means people can no longer purchase small cans of refrigerant with a GWP above 150 to recharge their MVAC systems by themselves. To fix MVAC systems, owners will need to take their vehicles with MVAC systems containing R-134a to mechanics that repair MVAC systems.