The R410A Transition to A2L Refrigerants with HVACR Expert Don Gillis
In this presentation, HVACR expert Don Gillis delves into the R410A transition, emphasizing key milestones and exploring the physical properties of potential replacements like R32 and R454B. This live podcast focuses squarely on the ASHRAE 34 A2L classification and its implications across HVAC equipment, mechanical spaces, transportation, storage, and building codes. But what exactly are A2L refrigerants? Here is your one-stop shop for A2L resources: https://www.opteon.com/en/support/understanding-a2l-refrigerants Educational video regarding A2Ls: For weekly updates on the R410A transition to A2L refrigerants, see “Checkup with Dr. Chuck.” A weekly series discussing the HVACR industry, particularly refrigerants. https://youtu.be/qQIf9oFDF5k YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV The Engineers HVAC Podcast: https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-mormino Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: https://www.insightusa.com/ Hobbs & Associates, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): https://hobbsassociates.com/ Named after their ASHRAE safety classification, A2L refrigerants exhibit mild flammability, low toxicity, and a low global warming potential (GWP). This category encompasses hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends. A2L refrigerants mirror the operational characteristics of legacy refrigerants while presenting a safer profile compared to ammonia and hydrocarbon-based refrigerants. As the world grapples with the challenge of climate change, A2L refrigerants have emerged as a substitution for older, high-impact refrigerants such as HFCs and HCFCs in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration setups. A2Ls are pivotal in aiding businesses to meet global objectives outlined in agreements like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, as well as regional regulations such as the U.S. AIM Act, Canada’s ODSHAR, and the targets of the EU Green Deal. For years, R410A refrigerant has been the standard in HVAC systems. However, due to its high global warming potential (GWP), its use is undergoing a phased reduction mandated by the EPA. A2L refrigerants constitute a novel class of refrigerants developed to supplant R410A. These alternatives possess lower GWPs and exhibit reduced flammability. The EPA has instituted a series of phasedown milestones for R410A refrigerant production and equipment manufacturing: By January 1, 2023, the production of new R410A refrigerant for U.S. equipment was reduced by 10%. By January 1, 2024, the production of new R410A refrigerant for U.S. equipment will undergo an additional 30% reduction. Characteristics of A2L Refrigerants. ASHRAE Standard 34 categorizes A2L refrigerants as mildly flammable. This classification enhances their safety in HVAC systems, albeit necessitating distinct handling procedures. This mild flammability stems from their requirement for high ignition energy, reducing the likelihood of ignition from sparks or flames compared to conventional refrigerants. However, handling A2L refrigerants with care remains imperative due to their inherent flammability. Alternatives to R410A Refrigerant. R454B: A blend of HFCs and HFOs with a GWP of 450, also a common A2L refrigerant. R1234yf: An HFO refrigerant boasting a GWP of 4, while more expensive than other A2L refrigerants, represents an exceptionally low GWP option. In Conclusion, the transition from R410A to A2L marks a pivotal change in the HVAC sector, driven by the necessity to curtail the environmental impact of HVAC systems. A2L refrigerants present a promising innovation, offering reduced GWPs and enhanced safety. As the cost of A2L refrigerants declines and their availability grows, they are anticipated to become the standard within HVAC systems in the forthcoming years. Crucial Considerations. While safety remains paramount, the mild flammability classification per ASHRAE 34 of the leading candidates underscores the significance of this transition. The A2L designation, relatively recent within ASHRAE, was created to differentiate A2L refrigerants from A2 substances with higher burning velocities and ignition characteristics. The primary catalyst for this transition remains GWP.
In this presentation, HVACR expert Don Gillis delves into the R410A transition, emphasizing key milestones and exploring the physical properties of potential replacements like R32 and R454B. This live podcast focuses squarely on the ASHRAE 34 A2L classification and its implications across HVAC equipment, mechanical spaces, transportation, storage, and building codes. But what exactly are A2L refrigerants? Here is your one-stop shop for A2L resources: https://www.opteon.com/en/support/understanding-a2l-refrigerants Educational video regarding A2Ls: For weekly updates on the R410A transition to A2L refrigerants, see “Checkup with Dr. Chuck.” A weekly series discussing the HVACR industry, particularly refrigerants. https://youtu.be/qQIf9oFDF5k YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV The Engineers HVAC Podcast: https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-mormino Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: https://www.insightusa.com/ Hobbs & Associates, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): https://hobbsassociates.com/ Named after their ASHRAE safety classification, A2L refrigerants exhibit mild flammability, low toxicity, and a low global warming potential (GWP). This category encompasses hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends. A2L refrigerants mirror the operational characteristics of legacy refrigerants while presenting a safer profile compared to ammonia and hydrocarbon-based refrigerants. As the world grapples with the challenge of climate change, A2L refrigerants have emerged as a substitution for older, high-impact refrigerants such as HFCs and HCFCs in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration setups. A2Ls are pivotal in aiding businesses to meet global objectives outlined in agreements like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, as well as regional regulations such as the U.S. AIM Act, Canada’s ODSHAR, and the targets of the EU Green Deal. For years, R410A refrigerant has been the standard in HVAC systems. However, due to its high global warming potential (GWP), its use is undergoing a phased reduction mandated by the EPA. A2L refrigerants constitute a novel class of refrigerants developed to supplant R410A. These alternatives possess lower GWPs and exhibit reduced flammability. The EPA has instituted a series of phasedown milestones for R410A refrigerant production and equipment manufacturing: By January 1, 2023, the production of new R410A refrigerant for U.S. equipment was reduced by 10%. By January 1, 2024, the production of new R410A refrigerant for U.S. equipment will undergo an additional 30% reduction. Characteristics of A2L Refrigerants. ASHRAE Standard 34 categorizes A2L refrigerants as mildly flammable. This classification enhances their safety in HVAC systems, albeit necessitating distinct handling procedures. This mild flammability stems from their requirement for high ignition energy, reducing the likelihood of ignition from sparks or flames compared to conventional refrigerants. However, handling A2L refrigerants with care remains imperative due to their inherent flammability. Alternatives to R410A Refrigerant. R454B: A blend of HFCs and HFOs with a GWP of 450, also a common A2L refrigerant. R1234yf: An HFO refrigerant boasting a GWP of 4, while more expensive than other A2L refrigerants, represents an exceptionally low GWP option. In Conclusion, the transition from R410A to A2L marks a pivotal change in the HVAC sector, driven by the necessity to curtail the environmental impact of HVAC systems. A2L refrigerants present a promising innovation, offering reduced GWPs and enhanced safety. As the cost of A2L refrigerants declines and their availability grows, they are anticipated to become the standard within HVAC systems in the forthcoming years. Crucial Considerations. While safety remains paramount, the mild flammability classification per ASHRAE 34 of the leading candidates underscores the significance of this transition. The A2L designation, relatively recent within ASHRAE, was created to differentiate A2L refrigerants from A2 substances with higher burning velocities and ignition characteristics. The primary catalyst for this transition remains GWP.