Food retailers shared their concerns and experiences with refrigeration systems that use alternative refrigerants at the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI’s) 2023 Energy & Store Development Conference.
As more and more case-controlled facilities turn to CO₂ refrigeration, HVAC contractors are tasked with adequately educating themselves on these systems so that they can meet the country’s budding installation and service needs.
The rapid adoption of CO2 technology by many retailers has placed a strain on current OEM capabilities, and Hussmann is responding to meet the challenge, a press release from the company said.
HVAC contractors that carefully follow the proper sequence of operations can minimize the threat of CO₂ leakage for their customers, themselves, and the environment
Food retailers are concerned over the HFC phasedown, noting that current alternative refrigerants have drawbacks, while others have not yet been fully evaluated.
The change comes as the industry anticipates accelerated adoption of CO2 refrigeration technology being driven by food retail businesses pledging sustainability targets and needing to comply with environmental regulations.
NASRC to offer free training event for refrigeration technicians in St. Louis who want to learn more about natural refrigerants, such as CO₂ and propane.
A pending global hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phasedown and additional efficiency regulations have bolstered R-744’s position in the American food retail market, further accelerating interest in the refrigerant’s unique benefits.