The HFC phasedown and impending transition to lower-GWP refrigerants were top-of-mind at the recent AHR Expo. At several educational sessions, industry experts talked about how the phasedown, which started this year with a 10% cut in the production of HFCs, would affect the industry, as well as what steps should be taken to prepare for the move to the new refrigerants, several of which are mildly flammable (A2L).
While some may grumble about yet another refrigerant transition, it’s time to get over it, said Jason Obrzut, director of industry standards and relations at ESCO Institute. That’s because with the AIM Act, which gives the EPA the authority to phase down the consumption and production of high-GWP HFC refrigerants in the U.S. by 85% over the next 15 years, there is no stopping the transition to A2L refrigerants.