Preparing for the HFC Phase Down

The rules governing the use of high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerants are changing with the recent passing of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act), a rule that promotes the orderly phase down of HFCs over the next 15 years, reducing the consumption and production of HFCs to 15% of the base line period by 2036. It is important for anyone involved in the cold chain to begin evaluating next generation refrigerant options for both new and retrofit applications. End users in the past have specified products such as R22, R-404A, R-507, R-134a, R-407A,  and R-407C; however,  these products, as well as others, will be under scrutiny while the U.S works through the transition to lower GWP next generation refrigerant solutions.

As the phase down progresses, the price of high GWP HFC products may increase, and as we approach the latter years of the phase down, availability of products may also be a cause for concern. The good news is that effective solutions exist today to address the phase down and ensure that your systems remain operational. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs)—a family of high-performance refrigerants—were developed specifically to address the regulatory challenges facing the industry today and tomorrow.

Any business operating refrigeration equipment will benefit from HFO refrigerants that will serve as in-field replacements for high GWP HFCs in existing refrigeration systems. This ease of conversion means that you can minimize downtime and extend the usable life of your current equipment, reducing capital expenditures.

For businesses that depend on refrigerated assets, the long-term availability of HCFC and HFC refrigerants should be a call to action. Future availability of legacy refrigerants is not guaranteed, and businesses should plan now by exploring the cost and benefit profiles of suitable retrofit and new installation solutions.

By converting to these next-generation solutions now, you can ensure that your existing equipment will continue to function safely and efficiently well into the future, while reducing the impact to both greenhouse gas emissions and your bottom line.

Brandon Marshall is North American Marketing Manager, Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours.

Andrew Pansulla is Technical Service Engineer, Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours.

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