EPA proposed a new rule as part of its efforts to phase down the use of high-GWP HFCs. HVAC manufacturers expressed concern about some of the provisions in the new rule, including training, GWP limits, compliance deadlines, and sell-through periods.
A steep cut in HFC production occurs next year, and it appears that not enough HFCs are being recovered and reclaimed to meet the demand for existing and new HVACR equipment. Just how dire is this situation?
Federal regulations, state building codes, and safety standards are evolving to support the emergence of lower-GWP alternatives, and as a result, many have questions about the path forward, compliance timing, and refrigerant safety.
The latest refrigerant transition is well underway, with the 10% cut in the production of HFC refrigerants that went into effect last year. But there are growing concerns about some of the chemicals used in certain synthetic refrigerants, such as PFAS.