United States. On August 8, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit left empty Rule 20 of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives (SNAP) Policy that phases out HFC refrigerants. The word empty suggests that Rule 20 is no longer valid, however, a request for a new hearing was recently filed by multiple third parties.
If the court wishes to hear again, the earliest a decision on the current HFC phase-out will be made is at the end of 2017. As such, all phase-out dates for commercial refrigeration products remain in effect until a decision is made.
Given this, the company responded to some of the concerns that this generates for the company:
- Does this change Tecumseh's alternative refrigerant plans for North America?
No, this does not change Tecumseh's position. We reviewed and agreed that low GWP refrigerants, including hydrocarbon refrigerants, are the right solution for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and the environment. Tecumseh has been and will continue to be an advocate for refrigerants that provide the best solution regarding system energy efficiency and the environment.
- What are the next steps for Tecumseh's product offering?
Tecumseh is in the process of approving new and existing scroll and reciprocating compressors and condensing unit products for use with low GWP refrigerants with combined HFO and HFO. These products are currently approved for use with R513A refrigerant as an alternative to R134a. In addition, the products are approved for use with R407A, R449A, R448A and R452A refrigerants as an alternative to R-404A.
The model and item numbers of compressor and condensing unit (Bill of Materials) will not change. However, additional refrigerants will be listed on the product nameplate as approvals are completed. Performance data for these alternative refrigerants are available upon request.
- Will all series of Tecumseh compressors and condensers for refrigerants mixed with HFO be approved?
Most of Tecumseh's existing commercial refrigeration products will be available for use with alternative refrigerants. Depending on the type of compressor and the application code, some refrigerants may not be applicable for use.
Will there be any changes in the Product Model Nomenclature with respect to refrigerants?
Yes, the refrigerant code "Y" will include "R134a and R513A" and the refrigerant code "Z" will include the refrigerants "R404A, R407A, R448A, R449A and R452A".
