Refrigerants

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By 1926, ammonia dominated industrial refrigeration. Natural refrigerants enabled the global cold chain and continued driving innovations needed to feed a growing world. 

 CO₂ refrigeration is moving beyond larger systems as improved CO₂ scroll compressors make smaller, distributed R-744 units increasingly practical and appealing. 

Many contractors overlook EPA 608 compliance, but expanded AIM Act rules and rising enforcement mean even good contractors face steep penalties if they can’t document proper refrigerant handling.

As industry debates the Technology Transitions rule, EPA’s ER&R rule is already in effect, imposing new leak repair, reclamation, reporting, and automatic leak detection requirements under the AIM Act.

Heatcraft highlighted new refrigeration products, as well as robust training opportunities to help contractors and end users through the refrigerant transition.

Regulations are accelerating low-GWP refrigeration adoption. While CO₂, A2Ls, and propane offer viable paths, each has unique challenges for end users.  

The shift to A2L refrigerants may seem daunting, but with proper tools, training, and safety know-how, contractors can handle the change with confidence.  

Distribution experts talk tariffs, the A2L transition, the uses of AI, and more.  

Food retailers are transitioning from HFCs to CO₂ or A2L refrigerants, but the right choice depends on climate, codes, cost, safety, and skilled labor availability.