News
EIA supports ASHRAE proposal for 4.9kg propane charge in outdoor heat pumps in U.S.
The Washington, D.C., branch of the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has thrown its support behind a proposal issued by ASHRAE to amend its 15.2-2022Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems inResidential Applications to allow up to 4.9kg (10.9lbs) of flammable (A3) refrigerants like propane (R290) in outdoor heat pumps and air conditioners in the U.S. Read more
‘Think twice’ before investing in HVAC&R solutions with PFAS, urges MEP Bas Eickhout
Bas Eickhout, a Dutch Member of the European Parliament for the Greens/European Free Alliance and a leading negotiator on the EU F-gas Regulation, has urged HVAC&R stakeholders to “think twice” before investing in solutions that contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Read more
French association warns of possible F-gas impacts
The French Refrigeration Association, AFF, has called on its national representatives to persuade the European authorities to adopt realistic and balanced measures in the current F-gas negotiations. Read more
Automated cold-storage facility in Canada to employ integrated CO2 system
One of North America’s most automated vertical cold-storage facility, located in Varennes, Quebec (Canada), will employ an integrated transcritical CO2 (R744) system serving refrigeration, air-conditioning and heating. Read more
Star Refrigeration produces guide for transitioning to natural refrigerants like ammonia
Scottish OEM Star Refrigeration has produced a short online guide for refrigeration system owners that highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with ammonia (R717)- and CO2 (R744)-based technologies. Read more
Get ready for 40% cut in HFC production in 2024
As most already know, the AIM Act, which passed in December 2020, will reduce HFC refrigerant production by 85% by 2036. The initial reduction began last year with a 10% reduction in HFC production, but next year there will be an additional 30% cut, which will significantly impact the HVACR industry. In fact, experts are predicting that the steep reduction could result in shortages of popular refrigerants such as R-410A and R-134a, as well as a sharp increase in refrigerant prices. Read more
Natural refrigerant heat pumps should be marketed as PFAS-free, says Seattle consultant
U.S. companies can make a difference for future generations by marketing “natural refrigerant heat pumps as PFAS [per- or polyfluorinated alkyd substances]-free,” with decarbonization and higher fossil fuel prices driving the market, said Andy Baker, Owner and Project Manager of Seattle, Washington-based YourCleanEnergy. Read more
Marking International day, Secretary-General urges all countries to ratify Montreal protocol’s Kigali amendment, ‘build a world’ where all can thrive
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, observed 16 September. Read more
Study predicts growth of HFO emissions and TFA in China
In a new study Chinese researchers have projected, for the first time, China’s annual and cumulative emissions of HFOs, HFO-1234yf and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Read more
Oslo requires natural refrigerants for heat pumps and cooling systems in municipal buildings
In a landmark decision that could set a precedent for cities around the world, Oslo, Norway’s property administrator, Oslobygg, has updated its guidelines to mandate the use of natural refrigerants in all heat pumps and comfort cooling systems installed in the capital’s municipal buildings. Read more
Egypt ratifies Kigali amendment
The Arab Republic of Egypt has become the 152nd country to officially adopt the Kigali Amendment. Read more
Call to action: natural refrigerant manufacturers draft letter and seek support for last EU F-gas regulation trilogue
Ten European companies supporting the safe and streamlined uptake of natural refrigerants in the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps sector (RACHP) have drafted a letter (below) with detailed requests for EU policymakers gathering after the summer recess to carve out the final provisions of the EU F-gas Regulation. Signatures for the letter are sought from like-minded stakeholders. Read more
Combined thermal management is future of HVAC&R, says CIMCO refrigeration
Combining refrigeration, space cooling, heating and hot-water production into one district-wide integrated system is the future of the HVAC&R sector, according to Benoit Rodier, Director of Business Development at CIMCO Refrigeration, a Toronto-based contractor. Read more
Canadian meat processor ‘Does what is right,’ cutting carbon emissions with ammonia heat pump system
By using an ammonia (R717)-based heat pump system in place of a “mish-mash” R22, R404a and R507 refrigeration system, Canadian meat processor Conestoga Meats has cut its annual carbon emission by 3,000 metric tons over the past decade, according to U.S-based manufacturer Copeland (formerly Emerson), which supplied the R717 system. Read more
Effective ways toward energy efficiency – Green cooling initiative
Cooling accounts for about 10 % of global electricity consumption, demand rising. Time for more energy efficiency. A Green cooling Initiative side event at OEWG in July showed that a transition to energy efficient cooling and renewable energy sources is key to fight the climate crisis. Read more