EPA Allows Increased Hydrocarbon Charge in Household Refrigerators
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rulemaking last month that increases the amount of hydrocarbon refrigerants allowed in household refrigerators and freezers from 57 grams to 150 grams, effective Sept. 7. Industry groups hope that this decision will also lead to an increase in the maximum charge size for hydrocarbons in commercial self-contained cases from 150 to 500 grams.
Last December, EPA proposed to modify the use conditions required for use of three flammable refrigerants — isobutane (R-600a), propane (R-290), and R-441A — in new household refrigerators, freezers, and combination refrigerators and freezers under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program to reflect an updated standard from Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Because EPA received adverse comments, the agency withdrew the direct final rule through a separate notice. In its latest action, EPA addressed relevant comments and finalized the proposed use conditions with no changes.