Source: Trane HVAC Industry Update (link)
As of January 1, 2024, buildings in Maryland and Virginia have to comply with the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol, to transition away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) refrigerants that have high global warming potential (GWP) to alternatives that are better for the environment.
The HVAC industry is moving to next-generation refrigerants with less than 700 GWP, which can reduce GWP by 75%. This transition continues to be one of the most effective decarbonization activities globally.
Some of the most commonly known HFC refrigerants are R-134a, R-404A, R-407C, and R-410A. For example, R-454B has a global warming potential of 467 and is the lowest GWP refrigerant to replace R-410A.
Boland, alongside industry leader, Trane, is working diligently to help clients comply with the mandates and regulations that have and will come into effect.
What considerations are there in transitioning to low GWP solutions?
Manufacturers choose the best refrigerant for each application based on a balance of safety (toxicity and flammability), environmental impacts (lowest greenhouse gas emissions), and total cost of ownership (energy efficiency of the entire system).
Low GWP solutions can offer:
Opportunity to select higher efficiency equipment with better capabilities
Optimized equipment through building automation systems
Easier refrigerant maintenance including the ability to track replacements and complete proper documentation for annual emissions reporting
Positive environmental impacts in producing lower GHG emissions
Safety in utilizing lower GWP refrigerants, including toxicity, flammability, asphyxiation, and physical hazards
What is the timeline?
By January 1, 2025: Refrigerants used in all Chillers and stationary AC equipment must be below 700 GWP.
By January 1, 2026: Refrigerants used in all VRF equipment must be below 700 GWP.
Have specific questions or want to discuss your refrigerant options with an expert? Call us at (240) 206-3000, email us at info@boland.com, or fill out the form below and one of our experts will get back to you.
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