Looking at the environmental impact & regulations it seems that most Japanese manufacturers have confirmed pre-2017 launches for RAC products using R32 refrigerant; which has a mildly flammable property. The mild flammability is only an issue if you do not understand why and how. The products have a flammable logo on the nameplate so awareness and management are key to … Read More

USA: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has repeated warnings of the dangers of using hydrocarbon refrigerants as substitutes for R22 in existing equipment. The EPA warns that using a propane-based refrigerant in a vehicle or home air conditioner that is not designed to use flammable refrigerants poses a threat to homeowners as well as service technicians. “Systems that are … Read More

Disposable cylinder ban is “long overdue” NORWAY: A maritime industry supplier has called for a global ban on disposable cylinders and warns that an HFC phase-down could lead to an increase in counterfeits. Claiming that disposable cylinders are a significant risk to port workers and support the trade in counterfeit refrigerants, Svenn Jacobsen, refrigeration technical product manager at Wilhelmsen Ships … Read More

Interesting new low GWP alternative refrigerants, combined with an expected relaxation of charge limits on flammable refrigerants, suggest that the days of R410A being the commercial air conditioning refrigerant of choice could soon be numbered. R410A has been the refrigerant of choice in Europe and elsewhere since first introduced in the mid-90s as a replacement for ozone-depleting R22. It is also … Read More