Chiller Systems Group Convenes for Idea-sharing

The October 2015 annual meeting of the Chiller Systems Group brought about 70 contractors into Atlanta for learning and networking. The CSG is comprised of independent chiller service installation and service companies.

Topping the agenda were presentations related to refrigerant phase-outs, chiller project reports and trouble-shooting tips.

The event was hosted by Atlanta’s Mallory & Evans, a leading Atlanta-based commercial mechanical contracting firm. Marco De Zan, president and CEO of Mallory & Evans, served as master of ceremonies for the three-day event.

The conference was sponsored by Midwest Parts, Bitzer, MicroControl Systems/Hanbell, Trane, York, Optimum Energy and Blue Core.

Among the highlights was a presentation by Justin Wieman, marketing engineer for Trane, on the reality of the new EPA refrigerant phaseout, announced by EPA in July 2015.

“Be prepared for some significant changes,” he said, and described the EPA’s eventual move over time to include “global warming” as a refrigerant issue, in addition to ozone depletion.

“The future of your business is moving to HFOs (hydrofluoro-olefins): R1234yf, R1234ze, R1233zd, R513A, R136. The entire industry is
transitioning to these refrigerants. An olefin is an element that self-destructs in the presence of sunlight, with zero GW and zero ozone depletion,” he said.  chillergroup.com