This video is a live podcast describing the current R410A phasedown schedule and a review of the properties of the two via low GWP R410A replacement refrigerants R32 and R454B.

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DOWNLOAD INSIGHT R410A TRANSITION QUICK GUIDE: bit.ly/3LHc7jS

We talk about the status of the current EPA refrigerant regulations, including the EPA's NOPR (notice of proposed rule), the critical milestones for R410A equipment manufacturing, and the current R410A phase down schedule.

We also show the properties of the two via R410A alternatives, R32 and R454B. In particular, we show the meaning of A2L refrigerants as explained in ASHRAE 342022, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants, which is a shorthand way of naming refrigerants and assigning safety classifications based on toxicity and flammability data.

We delve into the benefits and drawbacks of each low GWP refrigerant, exploring factors such as its global warming potential, energy efficiency, and flammability.

Refrigerants play a critical role in the functioning of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. They are responsible for transferring heat from the indoor or outdoor space to the refrigeration unit, allowing for temperature control. However, the impact of refrigerants on the environment is a growing concern. Many commonly used refrigerants have high global warming potential (GWP), contributing to climate change. In recent years, there has been a push to develop and adopt refrigerants with lower GWP, leading to the emergence of new refrigerants with unique properties.

The new refrigerant replacing 410A are R32 and R454B.

Two such refrigerants are R32 and R454B. R32 is a pure hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, while R454B is a blend of HFC and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants. While these refrigerants offer lower GWP, they have unique properties that distinguish them from each other.

Both have similar performance to R410A. Both have a similar performance to each other. Both are classified as A2L, mildly flammable refrigerants. Both have a lower GWP than R410A.

R32 is a singlecomponent refrigerant. It is a mildly flammable A2L refrigerant, meaning it can ignite in the presence of an ignition source but only under certain conditions. R32 has a low GWP of 675, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious companies. R410a vs R32 which is better?

R454B is a zeotropic blend of HFC and HFO refrigerants, 69% R32 and 31% R1234yf. It is a mildly flammable A2L refrigerant with a low GWP of 466. R454B was developed as a potential replacement for highGWP refrigerants like R410A.

For those of us who have been around awhile, you may be very familiar with R22 and even R12. Past Transitions were driven by Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).

Important Milestones in the Refrigerant Phase Down:
1987 The Montreal Protocol: a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozonedepleting substances (ODS).

20152016 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP), requires EPA to evaluate substitutes for ozonedepleting substances to reduce overall risk to human health and the environment. This includes refrigeration and airconditioning.

2016 The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to gradually reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption and production.

2017 2021 EPA NORP (Notice Of Proposed Rule) to limit equipment manufacturing with HFCs over 700.

2020 Congress passed an AIM (American Innovation & Manufacturing) Act in late 2020 that gave EPA authority to regulate global warming. In the past, EPA had only had the authority to regulate ozone depletion, so EPA was not doing any low GWP transitions because they didn't have the authority.

EPA NOPR Equipment limits R410A or equipment with HFCs over 700 as follows.
Chillers Jan 1, 2024, Residential / Commercial HVAC Jan 1, 2025, VRF Jan 1, 2026

Key considerations
While safety is always an essential factor, the fact that the two leading candidates are mildly flammable per ASHRAE 34 makes this transition even more critical.
The A2L designation is a relatively new designation for ASHRAE and was created to specifically denote the differences between A2, which has high burning velocities and ignition characteristics. GWP – which, as we discussed, is the primary driver for this transition.