The passing of the American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act in 2020 has initiated a gradual phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, with an 85% reduction from baseline targeted by 2036. The EPA has proposed restrictions on HFCs in new appliances with compliance dates as early as 2025, leading to the selection of mildly flammable refrigerants as replacements. Copeland has surveyed contractors and wholesalers on their preparedness for these new requirements and is dedicated to educating customers and providing solutions to accommodate the changing refrigerant regulations.
As policies and regulations change, a transition is being made toward low global warming refrigerants and new codes. Here we will discuss ASHRAE 34 and 15, as well as the adoption of new codes and standards and how they can vary from state to state.
With the HVAC industry undergoing changes and becoming more innovative, once-commonplace HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerants such as R-410A are beginning to phase out. Low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants, are in the process of replacing HFC refrigerants. Most of these new refrigerants are classified by ASHRAE as A2L, which means that they are classified as mildly flammable but show promise for energy efficiency and positive environmental impact.
HVACR service technicians find themselves at the forefront of the refrigerant transition in AC and commercial refrigeration. As hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants with high-global warming potential (GWP) are being phased down, mildly flammable A2L refrigerants have been identified as potential lower-GWP alternatives. But information about A2L servicing requirements is largely unknown in the U.S., which raises many questions within the technician community. If you’re an HVACR technician, the chances of soon encountering A2Ls is very likely. It’s important to gain a better understanding of A2Ls to maximize safety and assist your customers with installation and service calls.
As a contractor, it is important that you are aware of the different federal minimum efficiency levels and compliance requirements across regions. Understanding the new standards and metrics (SEER2, EER2, HSPF2) will help both you and your clients feel confident moving forward with these changes.
The purpose of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is to phase down HFC, or hydrofluorocarbons, production and consumption by 85% over the next 15 years, and support a transition to more environmentally and consumer-friendly cooling technology options. HFCs will continue to be available for existing equipment, but the EPA will establish requirements for managing any existing HFC in use.
The regulation of refrigerants continues to be a source of great uncertainty in the HVAC industry. With requirements to begin using lower Global Warming Potential refrigerants being implemented as early as January 2023, the future of HVACR is full of challenges. See how experts responded to a regulation readiness survey and how Copeland is prepared to offer resources in support.
Did you know that 65% of home energy use is consumed by water heaters and HVAC systems? With Earth Day right around the corner now’s the time to include HVAC maintenance in your spring cleaning schedule in order to keep those systems running efficiently. Check out some easy maintenance tasks you can do to keep your system running and avoid costly issues.
With the transition to lower GWP refrigerants, you may wonder what this means for both your existing systems and for systems purchased ahead of the transition. We’ve outlined a few of the main differences between refrigerants along with some additional guidance on why selecting the correct refrigerant for the desired application matters.
If your air conditioner or furnace just died, you’re facing some quick and tough decisions. Now is the time to take a deep breath and not rush to an uninformed decision. The top mistakes people make when purchasing a new heating or cooling system are…
