The Department of Energy increased the minimum efficiency standards for residential air conditioning, affecting the South region from January 1st of this year. Industry professionals, especially in the South, have taken necessary actions to adapt to these changes by engaging with OEMs and attending product seminars. Learn how Emerson supported the industry during these changes and how they are helping contractors prepare for future regulatory requirements.
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. Emerson 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.
Previously we have looked at federal minimum energy efficiency levels and the metrics used today to rate air conditioning systems (such as SEER, integrated energy efficiency ratio, or full load EER). Now we are shifting focus and looking at system efficiency and where it is headed in the future.
This article is going to take a look at efficiency and what that looks like in the landscape of regulations. The focus here will be on energy efficiency regulations and what impacts they are expected to make in the next three years, both from the residential standpoint and also commercial.
In part 2 of this series, this next episode continues the discussion between host, Lindsay Headings and HVACR industry experts Tersh Blissett, Michael Mayberry, Eddie McFarlane, Jerry Rollins, Bryan Orr, Jessica Bannister, and Bill Spohn. These guests toured The Helix Innovation Center in Dayton, Ohio, and the new Emerson labs in Sidney, Ohio. The group discussed highlights of the tour like the Residential Connected home located inside The Helix and brainstormed ways to promote the skilled trades.
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.
In this episode, Lindsay Headings sits down with HVACR industry experts Tersh Blissett, Michael Mayberry, Eddie McFarlane, Jerry Rollins, Bryan Orr, and Bill Spohn at The Helix Innovation Center in Dayton, Ohio. Jessica Banister also joins us remotely. Our conversation begins with personal back-stories from the experts, including their passion for HVACR, and how that led them to start their social channels.
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.
