HC refrigerants have an A3 safety rating, meaning there are flammability issues. Even so, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially gave Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) approval to R-290 (propane), R-600a (isobutene), and R-441A (a blend marketed by ComStar International as HCR 188c).
This past fall, the automobile manufacturer Daimler came out saying it was holding off using HFO-1234yf for auto air conditioning even though a directive from the European Union was calling for moving away from HFC-134a. Some saw that as a question about how much traction HFOs were getting as long-term alternatives to HFCs.
CO2 as a refrigerant in cascade supermarket systems, transcritical applications, transport refrigeration, and heat pumps were among major developments in recent years. Here is a summary of those developments.
It appears as if the spigot of new R-22 available to HVACR contractors has been tightened even more in 2013. Users of the world’s most popular HCFC could expect close to 30 percent less of new R-22 this year than last, according to some reports.
There is no question that ongoing training is needed in the HVACR industry. The real question may be: How qualified are those doing the training? RSES has proposed an answer through the development of its RSES Certified Trainer (RCT) program.
Across the HVACR industry, contractors and trade associations are welcoming veterans in an organized and conscientious way, with numerous success stories resulting from their efforts.
When you are from Texas and you have the words “Jon Wayne” in your name — even with a bit of a spelling twist — you had better make a big impression. Such is the case with Jon Wayne Heating and Air of San Antonio, which was chosen by The NEWS as this year’s “Best Contractor to Work for” in the South.
The European Commission (EC), the executive body of the 25 member countries of the European Union (EU) responsible for proposing legislation, is continuing its efforts to phase down — and in some applications phase out — use of HFC refrigerants in much of Europe.
It’s important for readers within the refrigeration industry to be aware of what’s being talked about in Europe, especially from a regulatory standpoint. There is talk of a phaseout of virgin HFC refrigerant production rather than a phasedown.
In early 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) approval to three hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants in some applications. That could well have laid the groundwork for wider use of a type of refrigerant that is used in Europe and Asia on a much broader scale.
