Refrigeration

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.

Continuous Monitoring Is Reshaping Refrigeration Service

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Continuous refrigeration monitoring helps contractors reduce emergency calls, improve fix rates, and shift refrigeration service from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, data-driven maintenance.

Perfect Ice Conditions for Olympic Performance

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

A cutting-edge ammonia refrigeration system powered the bobsleigh and skeleton track at the Olympics — delivering elite ice quality and reliability through a high-performance engineering collaboration.

Managing Supplier Compliance During the Low-GWP Refrigerant Transition

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The shift to low-GWP refrigerants is raising the stakes on vendor oversight, making compliance documentation more important than ever for HVACR contractors.

1942: From Overlooked to Essential: HVACR’s Full-Circle Moment

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:28:42 -0400

In 1942, an editorial in The Electric Refrigeration News warned that leaving refrigeration off the essential list could threaten the war effort. Nearly 80 years later, during COVID-19, HVACR technicians were recognized without question. The shift reveals how the industry moved from overlooked to indispensable.

Update: 21 States, Other Prominent Parties, File SCOTUS Briefs in ‘Choice Refrigerants’ Case

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

More organizations have piled on, asking the Supreme Court to take a look at a case that could limit how much power Congress can delegate to the EPA.

Expanding Options for Lower-GWP Refrigeration

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

The shift to lower-GWP refrigerants in commercial refrigeration is accelerating, with food retailers adopting diverse options including R-290, A2L systems, and CO₂ solutions for various store formats.

Service Tips for R-290 Refrigeration Equipment

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

R-290 isn’t hard to handle — but it does require a different mindset. The key to working safely? Understanding what’s different and adjusting accordingly.