HFO blends are not drop-in refrigerants, and modifications usually have to be made to the equipment before they are used. However, following the guidelines from experts in the industry can help ensure a smooth transition.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 9 million pounds of R-22 were reported as being reclaimed in 2016.

Daikin America Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd, has completed the first United States retrofit installation of its new low global-warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, Creard R-407H, in the refrigeration system of a cold storage warehouse. Creard R-407H was used to replace the system’s existing R-22, and this successful conversion demonstrates that this new refrigerant from Daikin is an ideal option for similar conversions from R-22.

This troubleshooting problem involves a 5-ton, R-22 rooftop air conditioning unit, and the customer’s complaint is that on days when the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F, the system doesn’t keep the store, which was recently remodeled, comfortable even though it seems to be running continuously.

For many years, R-22 was the refrigerant of choice for commercial and residential air conditioning and heat pump systems. Supermarket refrigeration systems, industrial centrifugal chillers, and industrial cooling applications also used R-22.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10,804,918 pounds of ozone-depleting refrigerant was reported as reclaimed by EPA-certified reclaimers in 2016. That total includes 9,409,494 pounds of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22 or R-22.

The following remarks were made regarding the “R-22 Conversions Increase as EPA Phaseout Tightens Supply” article, written by Ron Rajecki, published Oct. 9 in The NEWS.

Converting residential air conditioning equipment that uses R-22 to a replacement refrigerant is seen by many contractors and homeowners as a good way to extend the life of the system while removing R-22 from the picture. There are a number of replacement refrigerants to choose from, but with any replacement, it’s important to remember that the refrigerant is only half of the equation.

The refrigerant industry is no stranger to change, and the changes will keep coming in 2017.