A2L Refrigerants in Air Conditioning Applications
A2L Refrigerant Fundamentals
A2L refrigerants are a new and relatively unknown commodity in the U.S. AC sectors. With the stage set for wider A2L adoption in the coming years, many stakeholders have a variety of inquiries that need to be addressed. Copeland experts are setting out to explain the drivers behind the emergence of A2L refrigerants and discuss their safe application as a mildly flammable refrigerant.
In a new series, A2L Fundamentals, we will provide an overview of the regulatory landscape that’s paving the way for A2L adoption. As the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant phasedown progresses rapidly around the globe and in the U.S., the retail supply chain is transitioning to the next generation of refrigerant alternatives with lower global warming potential (GWP). A2L refrigerants are among the leading emerging candidates capable of achieving the necessary GWP reductions.
A2L Servicing Best Practices
HVACR service technicians find themselves at the forefront of the refrigerant transition in the air conditioning industry. A2Ls have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Rules 23 and 25 list several mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerants, including R-454B and R-32, as acceptable, subject to use conditions in new residential and light commercial air conditioners and heat pumps.
From a service perspective, the transition from existing refrigerants to A2Ls will not require a fundamental shift in the way you conduct business. However, it will require more rigorous attention to basic servicing fundamentals. Existing recommended best practices for A1 refrigerants will apply — with the addition of a few special considerations, new equipment and A2L-rated tools. Take a moment to review Copeland's back to basics guide for technicians who service mildly flammable refrigerants.
