The new line, MicroDS, is available for low- and medium-temperature merchandisers and is charged with up to 150 grams or just 5.3 ounces of propane — slightly more than a half-cup.

Essentially, I noted that changing demographics, new technologies, and evolving regulations may result in wider acceptance of self-contained refrigeration units that utilize propane. Several readers took issue with this, noting that central rack refrigeration systems — which are traditionally used in supermarkets around the U.S. — are not going anywhere and that propane units have too many drawbacks to ever seriously be considered for large-scale use.

The owner of a 2,800-square foot home in New Milford, Pennsylvania was experiencing uneven heat throughout the residence, limited hot water, and high utility costs. The installation of a new hydronic heating system helped drive home significant energy savings and ensure that “no place like home” feeling. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is cautioning homeowners, HVAC contractors, and service technicians of the safety hazards related to recharging existing home air conditioning systems with a propane-based refrigerant.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 29 proposed to expand the list of acceptable substitutes and prohibit the use of certain chemicals in the United States that significantly contribute to climate change where safer, more climate-friendly alternatives exist.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program has proposed to list as acceptable, subject to restrictions, the use of propane in certain commercial refrigeration applications.

Although it’s commonly acknowledged that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, natural refrigerants, such as carbon dioxide (R-744), ammonia (R-717), and the hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600), have been garnering attention.

The announcement a few months ago that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was proposing to decertify certain high-global warming potential (GWP) HFC refrigerants for use in a wide range of new commercial refrigeration equipment did not come as a surprise to the HVACR industry.