Refrigerant Transition Details | Contracting Enterprise

HVAC techniques producers have began to scale back manufacturing of HFC refrigerants at a sooner charge than anticipated (by 10% in 2023 and a 40% discount in 2024). By 2036, solely 15% of the 2022-2023 manufacturing allowance will likely be in circulation. 

Producers are transferring away from the A1L household of refrigerants and transferring to A2L/mildly flammable refrigerants.

HVACR contractors will likely be required to watch new necessities associated to instruments, automobiles, storage areas, cylinder use, code and fireplace official permits and presumably licensing. 

Software Modifications

• New, “no spark’ drills
• Scales and vacuum pumps won’t be affected
• A2L-specific leak detectors will likely be wanted
• Because of the cylinder modifications, technicians could have to get hold of new hoses. The brand new cylinders will thread to the left.

Storage

The storage space modifications for A2L refrigerants are as follows: ​

• “Non-Sprinklered” areas are allowed for storage. ​
• The utmost quantity of A2L refrigerant that may be saved is 20,000 lbs. ​
• Cabinets or racks for storing A2L refrigerant should be made from metal. ​
• There should be a 20-ft. separation between A2L merchandise and different flammable liquids. ​
• The utmost top of the product on the cabinets or racks is 6-ft. except the world has sprinklers. ​
• A Code/Hearth official allow is required for storage. ​​
• A Class B fireplace extinguisher should be current within the storage space. ​
• Signage indicating the presence of A2L refrigerants is required.

Car Modifications Required

• R-454B refrigerant has a most ambient temperature of 125 levels
• The brand new freon cylinder has a stress aid valve as an alternative of the outdated rupture disc. Ths tremendously will increase the potential of product loss.
• Cylinders should be secured within the service car
• HAZMAT protocols will likely be required if transporting greater than 26 kilos of A2L refrigerant. This contains Class B fireplace extinguishers and applicable warning signage.

Cylinder Modifications

• The brand new cylinders will likely be gray with a crimson strip alongside the highest to warn of flammable substance.
• The cylinders can have a stress aid valve
• All cylinders containing A2L refrigerant would require two labels: “Flammable” and “Compressed Gasoline”
• The brand new A2L cylinder has a stress aid valve as an alternative of the outdated rupture disc. This tremendously will increase the potential of product loss.

Licensing

Contractors will need to evaluation their EPA Part 608 licensing to make sure they’re updated with curent certification and licensing necessities.

Coaching & Communication

Educate and Practice. Educate all crew members on the modifications and challenges that lie forward. 

Develop a script for crew members to make use of when discussing refrigerants with prospects: inform, educate and provide.

• Practice technicians and Installers: Be sure that technicians and installers have an intensive understanding of why changing could also be a greater possibility than restore. ​ 
• Up to date restore vs substitute coverage.
• Buyer messaging: Educate prospects on the modifications coming and their choices. 
•  Make upgrading gear inexpensive for patrons by providing financing choices. ​ This may also help unfold the fee over time and supply month-to-month money stream for households or companies. ​

To manage the ambient temperature of the A2L refrigerant would require a specialised reclaiming truck, a specialised reclaiming trailer, roof vents within the van and a cooling mechanism. 

Meet along with your distributor territory managers to find out how they plan to navigate the various modifications. Ask them when they’re receiving A2L-specific gear and when they’ll start stocking the brand new instruments, together with hoses and leak detectors.

​