Embracing Sustainable Cooling:
Preparing for the 2025 GWP Regulation

As HVAC professionals, we play a crucial role in the global effort to combat climate change. Regulatory bodies around the world, like the EPA, are pushing new initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and significantly change our industry. Starting in January 2025, all air conditioning units must have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 700 or less. This new regulation is part of an initiative to phase out high-GWP refrigerants and promote the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Understanding GWP and Its Impact:

Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over 100 years. The measurement is a comparison between the gas in question and carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a GWP of 1. Many refrigerants used in air conditioning units have significantly higher GWPs, contributing more to observed and measurable global warming. For example, R-410A, a commonly used refrigerant, has a GWP of around 2,088. The upcoming regulation aims to replace high-GWP refrigerants like R-410a with alternatives that have much lower values.

Why This Change Matters:

The primary goal of the governmental GWP reduction mandate is to lessen refrigeration systems' environmental impact. By enforcing a GWP of 700 or less, we will significantly reduce the associated emissions. This attempt to align with global efforts to mitigate climate change, including the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which targets the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The Path Forward for the HVAC Industry:

This transition to low-GWP refrigerants will involve several key steps:

It begins with Research and Development or R&D. Investing in the development of low-GWP refrigerants and compatible technologies is essential and in its infancy. Alternatives such as R-32 (GWP of 675) and R-454B (GWP of 466) are promising candidates and there will be more to follow.

This process requires Retrofitting and Redesign. Existing air conditioning systems will need to be redesigned to accommodate new refrigerants, which may have different thermodynamic properties and efficiency profiles. It’s the equivalent of trying to run kerosine in a diesel engine and achieve the same efficiency. Will it work? Yes. Will it work well? Not without a lot of work.

For those installing and maintaining these systems they will need proper Training and Certification. Technicians must be trained to handle new refrigerants, which may have different safety and operational considerations compared to their predecessors. The newest refrigerants used (A2L) are more flammable than their predecessors and require specialized tools. 

While the shift to low-GWP refrigerants might entail higher upfront costs for research, development, and training, the long-term environmental benefits on paper are substantial. These include potential savings from improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental damage. Additionally, companies leading in these technologies can gain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market and can market the technology as such.

Addressing Challenges:

Adopting low-GWP refrigerants comes with challenges, including ensuring they meet safety and performance standards. Some alternatives can be mildly flammable, necessitating rigorous safety protocols. Manufacturers must ensure that new refrigerants do not compromise cooling performance or efficiency. Because this is an evolving process, compliance and information on the changes are constantly happening. It’s vital for companies and technicians to stay updated on regulatory changes to avoid unnecessary penalties. Ongoing communication with regulatory bodies and participation in industry forums to stay informed about best practices and emerging technologies are quickly becoming a new and additional role of technicians and businesses.

With so many businesses and technicians taking time to review and change their own practices, the cost flowing down to small companies is increasing. The move towards low-GWP refrigerants is a chance for innovation and collaboration across our industry and efforts to reduce bottom-line expenses. By working together, manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers can accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable cooling technologies. Policymakers require input from professionals to make informed decisions.

Overall:

The upcoming requirement for refrigeration and air conditioning units to have a GWP of 700 or less by January 2025 is a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of these essential systems and a massive step to the left in expenses and time for those on the front lines. While the transition poses challenges, it also offers immense opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and long-term economic benefits. As the deadline approaches, our industry is required to embrace these changes to contribute to a more sustainable future while continuing to meet the cooling needs of consumers worldwide.

Find out more about both programs by visiting our website: www.thetrainingcenter.com or by visiting our EPA 608 and EPA 609 pages.