Refrigeration

Food Retail's Next Build: Smarter Energy, Sharper Compliance

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

From refrigerant compliance to AI and energy resilience, FMI's E+SD Conference will help grocery retailers navigate today's biggest store development challenges.

EPA Faces New Lawsuits Over HFC Refrigerant Rule Rollback

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Attorneys general from multiple states and the Natural Resources Defense Council filed lawsuits challenging the EPA’s Technology Transitions Reconsideration Rule issued last May.

What HVAC Contractors Need to Know About the Future of Technician Training

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Trane Technologies' leadership discusses how training has evolved for HVAC technicians and how the industry can address the workforce shortage and skills gaps.

Refrigerant Leaks at Startup: Identifying and Preventing Common Issues

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Leaks may not cause sudden failure in a system, but they can lead to poor system performance and damage. HVACR experts share what you need to know.

Why Deep Evacuation Is Not a Checkbox. It is System Protection

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:00:14 -0400

In an industry focused on smarter controls, higher efficiency ratings, and ever-evolving refrigerants, one of the most critical steps in system installation has not changed: evacuation.

A2Ls Gain Momentum in Supermarket Refrigeration

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400

As food retailers search for lower-GWP refrigeration options, A2Ls are gaining momentum as a practical alternative to traditional HFC systems.

HVAC Groups Support DOE’s Rulemaking to Cut Energy Efficiency Mandates

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400

DOE claims it will permanently end appliance and equipment mandates that raise prices with its latest proposed rulemaking.

The 1970s: From Energy Crisis to HVAC Boom

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The saturation of homes with some type of air conditioning, central or room unit, grew from 45% in 6 years.

7 Things to Know About Data-Driven Commercial Refrigeration Management

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Through constant monitoring and automatic leak detection, the commercial refrigeration industry has seen several significant changes in how it operates.

SCOTUS Declines to Hear Refrigerant Case Seeking to Curb EPA Power

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The high court’s denial leaves intact a lower-court ruling upholding EPA implementation of AIM Act

Predictive Maintenance's Value Isn't the Software — It's the Outcome

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Predictive maintenance succeeds not through software alone, but by combining analytics with expert execution to deliver uptime, lower costs, and measurable customer savings.

HVACR Trade Groups Challenge EPA Refrigerant Rule in Federal Court

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:48:17 -0400

HARDI: Deviating from original compliance deadlines is “legally flawed, economically reckless.”

When Refrigerants Change, So Do the Contactors

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Refrigerant choice and electrical design are no longer separate decisions, as A2L systems bring new requirements for ignition protection and compliance.

A2L Refrigerant Transition Raises New Compliance Questions

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:04 -0400

With the A2L transition underway, the ICC explains what contractors need to know about codes, labeling, and refrigerant issues.

A2L Mitigation for Refrigeration Systems

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As A2L refrigerants enter commercial refrigeration, charge limits are driving new requirements for leak detection, system isolation, and ventilation in confined spaces.

EPA Final Rule’s Impact on R-410A Deadlines

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:20:00 -0400

EPA officials say changes to the 2023 Technology Transition Rule help unburden businesses, but HVAC industry associations say the rule will impact refrigerant demand and food retailer transitions to lower-GWP refrigeration systems.

HVAC Industry Warns of Counterfeit Refrigerants Entering U.S. Supply Chain

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

HVAC contractors and distributors need to be wary of refrigerants that are packaged to imitate trusted brands but contain illegal contents.

Leak Rules Tighten as Threshold Drops to 15 Pounds

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Federal leak rules now reach smaller systems, while state requirements add complexity — allowing contractors to turn refrigerant management into a revenue-generating service offering.

Could Today's HFC Relief Lead to Tomorrow's Refrigerant Shortages?

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Short-term relief or long-term disruption? Revised EPA refrigerant ruling introduces potential challenges for HVACR equipment supply chain.

PFAS Rules and A2L Building Codes Continue to Evolve

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

HVACR industry faces growing complexity from state-level PFAS regulations and evolving A2L building codes, requiring manufacturers and contractors to stay alert and engaged.

Refrigerant Recovery is a Revenue Opportunity

Sat, 30 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As HFCs are phased down under the AIM Act, HVAC contractors can use refrigerant recovery and reclamation to manage supply risks, support customers, and create new revenue opportunities.

Kroger to Spend $100 Million to Reduce Refrigerant Leaks

Thu, 28 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Kroger will spend $100 million to reduce refrigerant leaks and replace hundreds of systems under a proposed DOJ settlement over alleged Clean Air Act violations.

How CO2 Refrigeration Helps Grocers Cut Energy Costs

Mon, 25 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Rising energy costs are pushing grocers to rethink refrigeration, and new CO₂ technologies are changing long-held assumptions about efficiency and performance.

Lubricants are Key to Supporting Low-GWP Refrigerants

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

As refrigerants evolve, compressor lubricants must keep pace. The wrong oil-refrigerant combination can reduce efficiency, damage compressors, and shorten system life.

EPA Removes R-410A Installation Deadline

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400

EPA finalized revisions to the TT Rule, easing several refrigerant deadlines and expanding compliance flexibility for several HVACR sectors.

Installation Best Practices for CO₂ Systems

Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

CO₂ refrigeration systems demand careful attention to detail. Following a few key best practices can help technicians avoid common mistakes and ensure a smooth startup.

Understanding Discharge Line Mufflers

Tue, 19 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Discharge line mufflers may be a simple add-on, but they can make a big difference in controlling compressor noise in larger refrigeration systems.

1953: Refrigeration Creates Mass Marketing of Frozen Dinners

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

HVAC solutions help solve growing populations and prevent food waste

Refrigerant Regulations Remain a Moving Target

Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Experts examine EPA rulemaking, the A2L refrigerant transition, and state-level initiatives that are shaping the future of HVACR regulation.

The Next Era of Data Center Cooling

Thu, 07 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

AI-driven data center growth is reshaping cooling strategies, driving adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants as manufacturers develop solutions that balance efficiency, sustainability, and reliability.