International.
With the evolution towards a gradual decline in HFCs, global associations have warned against using unapproved refrigerants in equipment that is not designed for use. The warnings are contained in an open letter signed by nine associations representing 90% of the world's air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers.
The Associations are ABRAVA (Brazil), AHRI (USA), AREMA (Australia), CRAA (China), EPEE (Europe), Eurovent (Europe), HRAI (Canada), JRAIA (Japan) and KRAIA (Korea).
The associations note that equipment manufacturers choose refrigerants as part of the overall equipment design and the need to balance performance, energy efficiency, safety, equipment longevity, ease of use, cost, environmental characteristics, and other attributes.
In the letter, the associations express "great concern" about the increased safety and environmental risks associated with the use of refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment that are not specifically designed for their use and increased safety.
That is why they call on the services sector to consider the above facts and to use only any refrigerant approved by the original equipment manufacturer, and encourage governments to work with the industry to work with the entire supply chain and make the public aware of these precautions and whether it is necessary to regulate and develop enforcement regimes."
The elimination of HCFCs and planned partial phase of HFCs have led to dozens of low atmospheric/lower warming potential alternatives, some of them "natural" and others by man. Only a few are designed as, and approved by manufacturers as, drop-in replacements. Many exhibit very different characteristics, including higher pressures, flammability and toxicity, to the refrigerants they are designed to replace.
Original letter:
