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HVACR industry associations, manufacturers, end users, and fluorocarbon producers met with senior White House officials to show support and voluntary commitments to phase down HFCs. Industry coalition the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy and the White House hosted the event Sept. 16 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The rule deems certain HFC refrigerants unacceptable in specific applications on or after Jan. 1, 2016. 

Commercial refrigeration systems, whether utilized in supermarkets or restaurants, seem to be constantly changing. 

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Connect event showcased some of the newest products that those who work in the food sector will more than likely see on a future install or service call.

For this focus on supermarkets and restaurants, The NEWS asked a number of contractors where they are in the mix and where they see the refrigeration sector heading. Here is what they had to say.

Contractors hoping for the final word on the newest refrigerants may not have to wait much longer. 

If hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are to have long-term viability, the low-global warming potential (GWP) versions will have to separate themselves from high-GWP types. And the survivors will have to play their part in energy efficiencies, especially in commercial buildings.

CO2 as a refrigerant has been a part of the refrigeration landscape for close to a decade. The most anticipated next step was running CO2 as a standalone refrigerant in a system, which is being done in Europe in more and larger applications. Finally, the approach crossed the Atlantic.

This article is the second of a two-part series in response to the question: “Should I choose CO2 (R-744) for my refrigeration system?” It was prepared by engineers with M&M Refrigeration of Federalsburg, Maryland.

This story was prepared by Danfoss and brings readers up to date on developments in Europe concerning HFC refrigerants. While what happens in Europe does not automatically reflect what will happen stateside, it would be wise for contractors in the United States and Canada to monitor developments overseas.