Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine March 2024

HVACR NewsMagazine March 2024

State National Chapter News

Low GWP Refrigerant Safety: Flammable and Mildly Flammable Refrigerants

As the HVACR industry continues to move forward and innovate, the refrigerants that were once so commonplace are now being phased out. Replacing them are more energy efficient, environmentally friendlier refrigerants, known as Low GWP refrigerants. Many of these new refrigerants are classified by ASHRAE as A2L, or slightly flammable. The industry is also seeing expanded use of some hydrocarbon (A3) refrigerants, such as propane and isobutane. Students and technicians will require additional training for the safe handling and transportation of these refrigerants. ESCO, the largest provider of 608 training and testing, is expanding their offerings to include A2L. According to Howard Weiss, President of ESCO Group, the EPA is still determining the depth of required training for A2L refrigerants; however, taking training now, in person or online, will put HVAC companies and their techs ahead of the pack. ESCO online training for A2L Refrigerants can be obtained by clicking on the picture or at the following link https://hvacr.elearn.network/courses/A 2L-Refrigerant-Safety The cost is only $39.95 so it is affordable and available now. If you prefer, you can purchase a training manual at https://escogroup.org/shop/itemdetail.a spx?ID=4168 The price is $43.95.

The Low GWP Training Program is available in an easy-to-use online course, or traditional manual. Both cover: Refrigerant safety

Introduction to Low GWP refrigerants

Refrigerant properties and

characteristics

The refrigeration cycle

Working with refrigerant blends

Proper installation and service guidelines

Flammable refrigerant considerations

Explanation of the associated codes and standards for A2L refrigerants Want to take a practice exam? Click on this link. https://www.escogroup.org/practice/pr acticeexamsession.aspx?uid=db3c3986 928e-4525-a29b-d926bbaf82f2