The Environmental Protection Agency “EPA” has issued a ruling to phasedown R-410A and other Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants beginning January 1, 2022. This ruling will fulfill The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, part of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, signed into law by Congress and the President in December of 2020.
Background
Hydrofluorocarbons were first introduced as refrigerants forty-five years ago, as a safer alternative to ozone depleting substance (ODS). However, since their inclusion in the Montreal Protocol in 1997, governments have worked towards their phase-down understanding the effects of these greenhouse gases.
When the President signed the AIM Act in December of 2020, it provided the EPA the authority to phase-down the production and consumption of listed HFCs through an allowance allocation. The AIM Act established a federal framework for guiding our industry through a transition away from HFCs and into next generation refrigerant technologies, many of which are made and manufactured here in the United States.
Phasedown
HFC production and consumption will be phased down by 85-percent over a 15-year period via a closed allowance allocation and trading program. This provides for an orderly and market, and consumer-friendly transition from HFCs. The HFC phasedown schedule call for a reduction in the production and importation of HFCs as follows.
- January 1, 2022 by 10%
- January 1, 2024 by 40%
- January 1, 2029 by 70%
- January 1, 2034 by 80%
- January 1, 2035 by 85%
Similarly, equipment manufactured for HFC refrigerants will be phased down as well. The industry will transition to new equipment, and new refrigerants, Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants. Many Low GWP Refrigerants are flammable, classified by ASHRAE as A2L (slightly flammable), and A3 (highly flammable).
With new Federal regulations in place, new safety standards have been developed by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for the safe handling, storage, and transportation of Low GWP Refrigerants.
Did You Know?
- Low GWP Refrigerants include A2Ls and A3s.
- A2L equipment will require refrigerant detection systems.
- There are new guidelines for the safe transportation of Low GWP refrigerants.
- A2L cylinders will be color-coded red.
- New National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire safety storage requirements.
- The common practice of storing refrigerant cylinders presently utilized at schools and wholesalers will change.
THESE ARE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Preparing the Industry for the Transition
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Over the last several years, members of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute “AHRI”, Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force “SRTTF”, which ESCO Institute is a member, have worked to establish resources following to assist you, and those you train, prepare for this transition.
Step 1: Watch this webinar providing an introduction to the transition, with Jason Obrzut of the #SRTTF and Director of Industry Standards and Relations at ESCO Institute.
Step 2: Read Low GWP Refrigerant Safety to help you understand the safety protocols for working with flammable refrigerants. (ESCO proctors can login and view a copy of the Low GWP Training Manual in the proctor resource center.)
Step 3: Learn from industry experts representing AHRI, Chemours, Daikin, ESCO Institute, and Honeywell, all members of the Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force, on different aspects of the phasedown, and safety procedures during the HVAC Excellence / ESCO Group conference.
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Step 4: Prepare others for the transition with the comprehensive training program from ESCO Institute, including a training manual, elearning course, instructor PowerPoint, and closed-book certification exam. For pricing and testing options, see page 7 of our catalog.
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While most of the industrial world has safely transitioned to LOW GWP Refrigerants, these resources will help the United States transition as well. Learn more about the Low GWP Program, and the conference by visiting escogroup.org.
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