At the AHR Expo, manufacturers talked about their plans for switching to low-GWP refrigerants for commercial refrigeration equipment and displayed some of their solutions.
Growing demand for recovered HFCs highlights the importance of proper refrigerant recovery. Unfortunately, counterfeit recovery cylinders are emerging amid this increasing need.
New A2L-related code requirements will impact HVAC system installation and include warning labels, ventilation, leak detection, and limits on refrigerant amounts for comfort air conditioning.
At an educational session at the AHR Expo, industry experts discussed the latest status of the AIM Act and also provided insights into which states have updated their building codes to allow the use of A2Ls.
In comments to EPA’s proposed rule regarding HFC management, many HVACR stakeholders expressed concern over issues including tracking cylinders, training technicians, and reclaiming refrigerant.
The transition to A2Ls will likely serve as an interim solution. Europe has already embraced propane in certain heat pump systems, and the U.S. may follow suit, albeit with a different low-GWP refrigerant.
Factors that shape the HVACR distribution market paint an uncertain picture of the year ahead. But Talbot Gee says those distributors who plan for different scenarios and are ready to “pivot on a dime” will fare best.
During the AHR Expo, Heatcraft held a press conference to discuss how the company is engineering products and technologies to meet the demands of both regulations and end users.