R410a Seems New To Us Now But…..Current Possible Legislation Points To It Being Phased Out
According to an article in “Todays’s A/C & Refrigeration News”, Congress is being urged to act on HFCs (hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants). 32 members of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy are pushing for the United States to pass legislation to allow a structured and controlled exit from using hydroflucarbon (HFC) refrigerants.
United States companies that produce and use fluocarbons have been preparing for this exit for decades, investing billions in Research and Development to be the first to bring to market the next generation of fluocarbon products and equipment.
This BEGS the question of what is next? One possible solution: Honeywell makes Solstice N41, ASHRAE designation, aka R466a as a replacement for 410a. It has a 65% lower global warming potential than R410a. 15 equipment manufacturers are currently testing it in their new equipment.
This is part of why the manufacturers are concerned. Engineers might test this new refrigerant and design for it to make reliable A/C systems only to find that congress or the EPA demand a zero global potential, not just 65% better. We will post more articles as decisions and policy are decided.
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