New Updates to Allowable Refrigerants

?? Important Update for HVACR Professionals! ??

The EPA has finalized Rule 26 under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, marking a major step in protecting the stratospheric ozone layer and advancing sustainable practices in the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning sector.

Key Highlights:

• 10 New Refrigerants listed as acceptable, subject to use conditions.
• Modified Use Conditions for R-290 (Propane).
• Incorporation of UL 60335-2-89 (2nd Edition) and ASHRAE 15-2022 standards. I'm still waiting for this to be deployed across the US; very limited so far.

Who is Affected?

• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning professionals
• Chemical Producers
• Equipment Manufacturers
• Commercial and Consumer End Users
• Service Technicians

What You Need to Know:

• Refrigerants Accepted: HFC-32, HFO-1234yf, R-454A, R-454B, R-454C, R-455A, R-457A, R-516A, and R-290.
• Sector Applications: These include commercial ice machines, cold storage warehouses, ice skating rinks, and retail food refrigeration.
• Effective Date: Changes apply to equipment manufactured after the effective date of this final rule.

Special Note:

• HFC-32, R-454A, and R-454B: Only in self-contained Commercial Ice Machines with batch-type ice harvest rates >1,000 lb/24 hours, continuous-type ice harvest rates >1,200 lb/24 hours, or remote Commercial Ice Machines.
• HFC-32 and R-454B: Only in Industrial Process Refrigeration chillers and direct expansion equipment with refrigerant temperatures entering the evaporator ≤ -30°C.
• R-454A: Only in chillers for Industrial Process Refrigeration, direct expansion equipment with refrigerant temperatures ≤ -30°C, equipment with refrigerant charge <200 lbs and temperatures > -30°C, and the high-temperature side of a cascade system with temperatures > -30°C.
• R-454A for Cold Storage and Retail Food Refrigeration: Only in equipment with refrigerant charge <200 lbs or the high-temperature side of a cascade system.Why This Matters:

These updates align with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and aim to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants by promoting lower-GWP alternatives. Ensuring compliance with these new standards is crucial for the ongoing effort to protect our environment and public health.

?? For detailed information and compliance requirements, read the full rule here.

Stay informed and ensure your practices are up-to-date with these critical regulatory changes!

#EPA #SNAPProgram #HVACR #Sustainability #Refrigeration #EnvironmentalProtection #Propane #HFCPhasedown #Regulations #Compliance