HVACR Industry Regulations

HVACR INDUSTRY REGULATIONS WITH COPELAND

The Refrigerant Transition and Energy Efficiency Requirements

The regulation of refrigerants is driving significant change in the HVACR industry. At the heart of this issue is the subject of carbon emissions from hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants and their potential contribution to climate change. As global, national and state regulations have targeted the phase-down of HFCs in recent years, the industry has seen a shift toward alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP). While more environmentally friendly, these emerging options have additional challenges around performance and safety, with many of the lowest-GWP alternatives bearing a degree of flammability.

Making matters even more complex is the continuing evolution of new energy efficiency requirements for commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. These requirements are further driving innovation.