RICHARDSON, Texas — Lennox International Inc. has announced the rollout of light commercial and ducted residential HVAC products that are designed to use lower-GWP refrigerants in order to meet the 2025 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refrigerant regulations.
The transition to lower-GWP refrigerants represents a positive step for the environment, as it reduces the impact of harmful greenhouse gases. For Lennox, the change aligns with its goal of sustainability and its focus on caring for communities and the planet, a Lennox press release said.
The new HVAC products will use the refrigerant R-454B, which has a GWP that’s up to 78% lower than some current refrigerants.
“Lennox is proud to support the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants,” said Prakash Bedapudi, chief technology officer at Lennox. “By harnessing the power of advanced technologies, we will continue to not only meet industry standards, but also set new benchmarks for sustainability and performance.”
The new residential line of Lennox heat pumps and a/c units will use R-454B refrigerant. The full line of commercial rooftop units and ducted split systems, including the Model L and Enlight families, will also use R-454B. Systems designed to detect and mitigate leaks will be available with Lennox products, providing the added flexibility of being indoor or outdoor compliant, the company said
Earlier this year, Advanced Distributor Products (ADP), a Lennox brand, became the first manufacturer to launch a multi-refrigerant coil designed to help HVAC contractors and distributors transition from R-410A to any lower-GWP refrigerant. In addition to the coil, ADP also is transitioning air handlers to meet the new refrigerant requirements, the press release said.
Allied Air Enterprises, another Lennox brand, recently announced plans for a full line of regulatory-compliant residential and commercial equipment. Focused on flexibility, Allied will be simplifying the transition to new refrigerants by having indoor coils and air handlers that are field-convertible to R-454B. Allied will also have refrigerant-detection system kits available.
“With our strong engineering capabilities and dedication to excellence, we are confident in our ability to deliver superior products that meet and exceed customer expectations while advancing our sustainability goals,” said Alok Maskara, the Lennox CEO. “This strategic shift underscores the importance we place in protecting our planet’s future. By investing in cutting-edge technology and fostering a culture of innovation, we are fulfilling our corporate responsibility and positioning ourselves as leaders in sustainable HVAC solutions.”
The Lennox press release said the company is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for customers and partners alike and to providing support, training, and resources to facilitate the adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants. Products will roll out for ordering during the remainder of 2024, well ahead of the 2025 regulatory shift.
