Important HVAC Refrigerant Changes in 2024

The HVAC industry goes through regular changes across periods of years and decades, many of which are meant to address changing technology, environmental needs and related factors. One common example here, and one that is seeing some major changes here in 2024, is the realm of HVAC refrigerant.

At Accurate Air, we’re here to assist clients around Tempe with all their HVAC contractor needs, including air conditioning service, AC replacement and numerous other solutions. We also provide our clients with important information and updates within the HVAC industry, such as the move this year to stricter regulations around certain kinds of less environmentally-friendly refrigerants. Here’s a primer on what HVAC refrigerant is and the purposes it serves, what GWP (global warming potential) is and how it relates to refrigerants, and the processes many states around the US are taking to more strictly regulate refrigerant use.

Role of HVAC Refrigerant

For those unfamiliar with the term, refrigerant is a compound that’s used in air conditioners and other HVAC systems to produce cold air. It plays a crucial role in these processes, as it allows the units to absorb heat from inside your home and transfer it outside – one of the key functions of an AC system.

Refrigerants are also commonly used in refrigerators and freezers, as well as in commercial HVAC systems used in large buildings. These compounds are typically compressed and cooled within the system, then evaporated to create cold air that is circulated throughout the space.

GWP and Environmental Impact

One key factor that has driven recent changes in the HVAC industry is global warming potential (GWP). This measures how much heat a particular substance can trap in the atmosphere, and it’s a major concern for refrigerants due to their potential for environmental harm.

Certain types of older refrigerants – such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – have been found to have high GWP levels and contribute significantly to ozone depletion. As a result, international agreements like the Montreal Protocol have been implemented to phase out and replace these harmful substances with more eco-friendly alternatives.

While we won’t dive fully into how GWP is calculated, a simple rundown: This metric has a baseline that’s based on the natural effect of carbon dioxide – a single particle of CO2 has a GWP of precisely 1. For any refrigerant that’s being used, the GWP is a measure of how much more heat that refrigerant traps than carbon dioxide, over a period of 100 years.

Timeline Leading to 2024 Changes

Things are a bit nuanced in terms of how guidelines have changed for refrigerants and GWP levels in recent years. Here’s a simple rundown to give you a better idea:

• 2016: This process began in 2016, when the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) passed the SNAP 21 policy – short for Significant New Alternative Policy. This prohibited the use of high-GWP refrigerants in new AC systems, with a planned implementation of Jan 1, 2024.
• 2018: However, a court vacated the SNAP 21 ruling a few years later.
• 2018: Later that year, though, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) enacted their own version of SNAP 21, which was almost identical at the state level.
• 2019: By 2019, 11 other states passed similar state programs that banned high-GWP refrigerants – again, with a start date of Jan 1, 2024.
• 2021: In 2021, the EPA started work on the Technology Transition Rule, which is similar to SNAP 21. It’s based on legal foundation from the AIM Act of 2020. This rule would require all new chillers to use refrigerants below 700 GWP beginning January 1, 2026.

Clear Trends Even in Non-Participating States

Even in states that haven’t yet passed legislation around high-GWP refrigerants, there are clear trends forming. For example, several manufacturers have already declared their intent to stop producing AC systems that use these substances by the end of 2023 – even in states without current regulations.

Arizona, for instance – where we operate at Accurate Air – is not one of the states that have passed legislation around high-GWP refrigerants. However, major manufacturers like Carrier and Trane have announced that they will no longer produce systems using R-410A (a common high-GWP refrigerant) by 2024.

These are just a few examples of how the HVAC industry is continuously evolving and adapting to environmental concerns and regulations. As a trusted HVAC contractor at Accurate Air, we are committed to staying informed and providing our clients with the best solutions that align with these changes. Contact us today to learn about this or any of our HVAC services around Tempe.

We encourage all homeowners and business owners to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry and consider eco-friendly options when it comes to their HVAC systems. Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment while still enjoying comfortable and cool throughout the year.