The ever-changing world of technology drives the direction of many aspects of our lives. The increased awareness of environmental changes has also created the need for more advanced manufacturing and product development in a vast array of today’s marketplace. The HVACR industry is no exception to this rule. Soon, and very soon, equipment manufacturers will transition from the current refrigerants to newer A2L blends that will dramatically reduce the amount of impact to our atmosphere. As a reference point, let’s briefly expound on the reason for the change to A2L refrigerants.
Decades ago, the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] began rating refrigerants with a scale of O.D.P., or ozone depleting potential. This led to the phase-out of R-12, R-22 and other products that were deemed harmful to the atmosphere. This phase-out was a very long process that allowed for much preparation and transition time. However, in recent years, the EPA re-evaluated the way by which the refrigerants being used are currently tested and rated. The new scale is referred to as G.W.P., or global warming potential. This new way of evaluating the compounds in current refrigerants has now brought the U.S. market to another turning point in terms of what refrigerants the manufacturers can utilize for HVACR applications.
The majority of equipment manufacturers will be transitioning to R-454B, but a few have chose R-32 as the alternative for use in heating and cooling. These two particular refrigerants incorporate a blend that includes roughly a 5% Butane mixture that earns them a slightly flammable description by the scientific community. These mixtures have been tested and used in other countries for quite some time and have proven to be viable options to replace the current refrigerant blends.
The transition to A2L refrigerants will be exponentially faster than the previous process, taking the outdated refrigerants out of the marketplace at a much more rapid pace. Because the new equipment will have leak detection sensors built-in and refrigerant specific components, the mixed-matching of indoor and outdoor units will become less feasible. Therefore, when one unit fails and has to be replaced, it is very likely that the entire system will have to be replaced.
We all understand the importance of good stewardship over our planet and natural resources. As we go forward, government oversight will continue to mold the production guidelines and practices for all industries. The HVACR contractors and consumers each must plan for the changes and accept the responsibility we all have to protect the earth for future generations.