International. The US authorities announced the entry into force of two new measures, according to which new air conditioners and heat pumps must be limited to using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 700, while new supermarket systems must use refrigerants with a GWP equivalent to 150.
In the case of the first action, it is a standard that aims to accelerate the transition of new HVAC solutions towards more efficient and climate-friendly technologies, in those cases where alternatives to the use of HFC refrigerants are available.
As for the second measure, its purpose is to formalize the management and reuse of existing HFC refrigerants, not only reducing equipment leaks but also supporting the sector of the US industry that is dedicated to the recycling and recovery of these substances
Both regulations are framed in the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM), which seeks to reduce the supply of HFCs by 85% by 2036.
Air conditioners and heat pumps
The GWP limit of 700 for air conditioners and heat pumps with residential and light commercial uses will apply to the manufacture and import of stand-alone products from 1 January 2025 with restrictions on sale, distribution and export from 1 January 2028.
In the case of "field assembled" systems, the ban begins on January 1, 2025, except for VRF systems, which have a compliance date of January 1, 2026.
For HFCs, the new limit will allow the use of A2L refrigerants such as R32, whose GWP equals 675, and refrigerant blend R454B whose GWP amounts to 466. However, it takes Honeywell's non-flammable alternative R466A out of the game, due to its 733 PCA.
Food refrigeration
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a 150 GWP limit for retail food refrigeration, with exceptions for remote condensing units and supermarket systems with refrigerant charge capacities greater than or equal to 200 pounds.
There are also exceptions for some refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment covered by UL 621 and for equipment with load sizes greater than 500 grams, where the Agency did not set a GWP limit but has banned the use of certain refrigerants.
For refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment not covered by UL 621 and with load sizes less than or equal to 500 grams, the 150 GWP limit applies.
For standalone units, the compliance date is January 1, 2025; for remote condensing units, on January 1, 2026; and for supermarket systems, it's January 1, 2027.
