The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is among the environmental initiatives and regulations driving the phasedown in the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in the HVAC industry.
The AIM Act’s schedule seeks to phase down HFCs by 85% by 2036. The first significant reduction in consumption and production under the AIM Act began on Jan. 1, 2022, representing a 10% reduction from a baseline value. The next major step begins Jan. 1, 2024, with an additional 30% reduction, followed by another 30% reduction starting Jan. 1, 2029.
adoption of retrofit or new systems
This phasedown, rather than phaseout, approach should prevent any debilitating disruption to the industry; however, the adoption of retrofit or new systems sooner rather than later is key to a smooth transition.
“We have a unique opportunity to impact worldwide change, one business, one community at a time by supporting our customers through the phasedown of HFCs,” says Brandon Marshall, Americas Marketing Manager, Stationary and Specialty Applications, The Chemours Company.
next-generation products
Chemours seeks to help the industry navigate the complex technology and regulatory landscape
As the inventor of Freon and Opteon refrigerants, Chemours has been driving evolution in the HVACR industry for nearly a century, innovating next-generation products for diverse needs and applications.
As a champion of the HVACR professional, Chemours seeks to help the industry navigate the complex technology and regulatory landscape.
hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants
Chemours’ Opteon portfolio of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants features zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP). The refrigerants offer a balance of performance, environmental sustainability, safety, and cost when considering retrofit or new equipment solutions.
Chemours pairs these innovations with technical support, education, and customer service delivered by a team of experts with decades of experience.
education and training
“Chemours is highly invested in providing the education and training that will facilitate [the transition], as well as delivering solutions that meet each customer’s unique needs, timeline, and budget,” says Marshall.
“The vision of the AIM Act aligns perfectly with our corporate commitment to being the leader in sustainable HVACR solutions and a global force in protecting the environment,” adds Marshall.
sustainable, better-performing solutions
Chemours’ Opteon portfolio helps customers implement the right solution through the phasedown
Chemours’ commitment to “courageous chemistry” drives its development of highly sustainable, better-performing solutions. Chemours’ Opteon portfolio helps customers define and implement the right solution through the phasedown.
Many systems are still operating with R-22, although the supply is now limited to the reclaimed refrigerant. Due to dwindling supply, these users urgently need to retrofit their systems. The next phasedown under the AIM Act is coming quickly on Jan. 1, 2024.
Market price availability and impact
For several years, Chemours has seen commitments from major OEMs to produce equipment operating with HFOs. Marshall says that continued HFC phasedowns, OEM adoption, and increased manufacturing of HFO refrigerants by companies like Chemours will impact market pricing and availability for HFOs and HFCs.
The industry can expect an exponential increase in retrofits and new installations of HFO-charged equipment.
R-454B
Chemours Opteon XL41 was the “big product” the company emphasized at the AHR Expo in February. The R-454B refrigerant is the new-generation solution paving the way for what lies ahead in the short- and long-term regulatory landscape.
It is the lowest-GWP replacement for R-410A on the market offering a 78% reduction in GWP while providing value and peace of mind as the industry transitions away from HFCs, says Chemours.
Opteon XL41
The more people we can introduce to Opteon XL41 and the stronger our collaborations, the greater the impact"
Opteon XL41 has been selected by leading global OEMs, including Carrier, Johnson Controls, and Rheem, which have announced alignment with Chemours for the utilization of this product.
“All of us realize that the more people we can introduce to Opteon XL41 and the stronger our collaborations, the greater the impact we can have in meeting environmental objectives,” says Marshall.
commercial refrigeration sector
The commercial refrigeration sector is quickly following air conditioning by embracing next-generation products such as Opteon XL10 (R-1234yf/ AR4 GWP 4), Opteon XL20 (R-454C/ AR4 GWP 148), and Opteon XL40 (R-454A/ AR4 GWP 239).
“However, many businesses operating refrigeration systems need to walk before they run,” says Marshall. “Not everyone can immediately invest the money and/or time for new installations.”
OEMs
OEMs are supporting the transition by ensuring a healthy supply of retrofit equipment is available while keeping close tabs on the demand for new equipment charged with next-generation products.
Several high-performance, efficient, and environmentally sound retrofit solutions exist utilizing HFO refrigerants such as Opteon XP10 (R-513A/ AR4 GWP 631) and XP40 (R-449A/ AR4 GWP 1397).
Leveraging resources
Ultimately, everyone must appreciate the value of A2Ls and be comfortable using them
“By remaining data-driven, suppliers in the industry will be ready to meet changing demands and support the health of businesses and the planet,” says Marshall.
Ultimately, everyone must appreciate the value of A2Ls and be comfortable using them. This requires ongoing education and training. There are many opportunities for this already out there, so technicians and the industry need to start or continue to leverage these resources, says Marshall.
webinars
Chemours offers a variety of training to ensure the safe use of A2Ls and encourage adoption as soon as it is practical.
This includes webinars with several industry partners and leaders, on-site training, online training brochures, videos, and customer support to ensure everyone is prepared for the transition.
best practices
Fortunately, the use of A2Ls does not amount to a situation of “back to square one” that requires technicians and installers to relearn everything while maintaining current skills to continue to service older systems. In reality, A2Ls such as Opteon XL41 (R-454B) feel very similar to working with R-410A. For R-454B systems, the installation and service procedures are similar to those of R-410A.
Moreover, the best practices that technicians have used for years remain applicable with A2Ls. These refrigerants are safe when handled properly, offer lower toxicity, and have been used effectively around the world to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, says Marshall.
Environmentally responsible operations
Environmentally responsible operations are a reality that will continue and escalate"
“The world is locked into driving towards a more sustainable planet,” says Marshall. “Environmentally responsible operations are a reality that will continue and escalate."
"This is driven not only by the regulatory landscape but also by corporate responsibility missions. The businesses that thrive will support these missions at every level of their operations.”
sustainability
As the phasedown continues and receives more attention, consumers will join the conversation, driving everyone from contractors to facility managers to show support for environmental sustainability.
Marshall says the installers and technicians need to be prepared to service these HFO-driven systems otherwise, that business will “walk out your door.”
Regulatory compliance
“Regulatory compliance may be the strongest motivator for change currently, but in our industry, every player must work to reduce the overall consumption of higher-GWP products,” says Marshall. “It is our responsibility to the communities we serve.”
Chemours is a global chemistry company with leading positions in titanium technologies, thermal and specialized solutions, advanced performance materials, and chemical solutions, all working to create a better world through the power of our chemistry, according to the company.
