This story was prepared by Danfoss and brings readers up to date on developments in Europe concerning HFC refrigerants. While what happens in Europe does not automatically reflect what will happen stateside, it would be wise for contractors in the United States and Canada to monitor developments overseas.

Many contractors are reporting issues with parts and equipment availability in their local regions this summer, attributing cooler seasonal temperatures and unpredictable consumer behavior as the likely causes.

It is appropriate to keep an eye on developments in industrial refrigeration in Europe. For one, new technologies, especially as related to refrigerants, often are first tried in Europe. Second, the industrial refrigeration sector using ammonia has strongly aligned itself with supporters of other non-f-gas refrigerants.

Whirlpool has begun phasing out use of HFC-134a, and it has now implemented the use of Honeywell’s Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent (LBA) insulation in U.S. made-refrigerators and freezers.

As the industry continues to deal with f-gas issues, recognition continues to come to refrigeration systems using CO2 as a refrigerant.

As consensus builds for a European agreement on regulating emissions of f-gases, Shecco has launched its newest publication, the “GUIDE+: HFC Taxes & Fiscal Incentives for Natural Refrigerants in Europe.”