Refrigerants

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Always let the refrigeration system reach a steady state before making repairs or adjustments. Skipping this step can mess up measurements, leading to misdiagnoses and wasted time. 

Technology transitions can be scary, but refrigeration manufacturers have made it easier by offering evaporators that can work with either an A1 or an A2L refrigerant. 

Hasty policy decisions could threaten what has, up until now, been a successful refrigerant transition.

Mixing refrigerants in an R-454B system may seem harmless, but it can compromise system performance, void warranties, and create serious safety and reliability risks. 

Every pound of refrigerant lost through leakage isn’t just expensive — it may soon be irreplaceable. 

In their Q1 2025 earnings reports, Trane, Carrier, and Lennox touched on the current shortage of R-454B, as well as how tariffs could affect the price of HVAC equipment.

Oklahoma State University is teaming up with the HVAC industry to dive into the science behind low-GWP refrigerants -- exploring refrigerant glide, system performance, and the injection flow rates needed for next-generation compressors. 

The Trump administration is reconsidering regulations that were priorities under the previous administration, leading to uncertainty in the HVACR industry. Contractors should stay informed, as these changes may impact their business.